Guest conductor Marin Alsop delivers a rousing start to Philly’s annual stay at the Saratoga Springs venue.

By Joseph Dalton, Aug 7, 2025 Photo: Erica Miller/Courtesy of SPAC

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 59th annual SPAC residency got off to a fine start on Wednesday evening with the annual “Tchaikovsky Spectacular” under the baton of Marin Alsop. The concert’s traditional blow-out finale was the always rousing “1812 Overture.” No matter how many times we’ve heard the piece, that first mighty cannon explosion from out on the lawn still provides an unexpected jolt.

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