In The News

Savannah Philharmonic Announces 2020-21 Season, Introduces New Era

February 26, 2020 – Savannah CEO

In the Neises Theatre at the Jepson Center, Savannah Philharmonic unveiled a brand-new era under the baton of new Music and Artistic Director Keitaro Harada, who announced the details of their upcoming 2020-21 Season. Updated branding incorporating a fresh modern Savannah Philharmonic logo was also unveiled at the invitation-only launch event. After the season announcement, guests enjoyed a private reception in the Jepson Center Atrium.


Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra unveils 2020-2021 plan

February 25, 2020 – WTOC

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – It’s a new era for the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra. They unveiled the details of their upcoming 2020 to 2021 season on Monday.

Director Keitaro Harada says the orchestra is focused on two initiatives this year. The first is more concerts for children and young families to enjoy. The second is taking the orchestra outside of Savannah.


Savannah Philharmonic announces 2020-21 season

February 24, 2020 – Connect Savannah

Keitaro Harada steps into exciting, ambitious new season

SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC is ready to usher in a new era. Under the direction of the orchestra’s new Music & Artistic Director Keitaro Harada, who’s beginning his first full season here in Savannah, the Philharmonic unveiled its plans for the upcoming 2020-21 season.

With a new logo in tow and some refreshed branding, the Harada era of the Philharmonic is set to launch the new season on Thurs., Sep. 21, 2020 with an opening night performance at the Lucas Theatre. Beyond that, they’re set for a number of season subscription shows, including a Holiday Spectacular run on Dec. 5 and 6. The annual Picnic In the Park show, which is free an open to the public, will take place Oct. 11 at 7 P.M.


‘This is our music’: Savannah Philharmonic introduces Keitaro Harada’s first season

February 24, 2020 – Savannahnow

When Keitaro Harada climbs the podium on Sept. 17, the Savannah Philharmonic will be entering a new era, not only on the stage but in image as well. The name will stay but changes have shifted the fabric of the organization from Harada’s new role as the music and artistic director to the logo and slate of events the Phil will offer through the year.


BUNNY IN THE CITY: Philharmonic takes right steps with tango turn

February 8, 2020 – SavannahNow

Brisk winter weather isn’t an issue for Savannah Philharmonic’s “Evening of Tango” at Savannah’s newest experience-based venue, Victory North on Drayton Street. Braving snappy winds, I see Chef Nick and Tracy Mueller firing up fresh Spanish-inspired tapas while dedicated ambassadors Cynthia Heil, Venessa Lott, Lori Bailey along with Cuffy Sullivan, Betty Roane and Cindy Prutzman check in first arrivals event chair Kelley Parker with Samir Nikocevic and Charles Taylor.


Savannah Philharmonic Welcomes New Orchestra Personnel Manager Michael Daly

February 3, 2020 – Savannah CEO

The Savannah Philharmonic is pleased to welcome a new Orchestra Personnel Manager, Michael Daly. Daly has also played principal French horn with the Savannah Philharmonic since its inception in 2008. He holds multiple degrees from both Indiana University and Wichita State University. Daly’s past engagements include a four-year tour with the Broadway musical Les Miserables.


Philharmonic Patrons Generously Give The Gift Of Music This Holiday Season

January 8, 2020 – Savannah CEO

Savannah Philharmonic helped many area families create special holiday memories. Through initiatives and partnerships, the Philharmonic provided hundreds of Holiday Spectacular matinee tickets to local families. “Giving the Gift of Music” was supported by the Savannah Philharmonic Board and loyal patrons. The initiative was well-received by many area not-for-profit organizations.


Savannah Weekend: Christmas on the River, Savannah Philharmonic, The Nutcracker

December 5, 2019 – WTOC

Also on Friday and Saturday, the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus presents their Holiday Spectacular Concert Series.

This year, the Savannah Children’s Choir will join the Philharmonic to tell the story of “The Gift of the Magi.” Savannah’s own beloved singer, Roger Moss will narrate the story.

In the second half of the show, the chorus joins the orchestra for a funky Motown Holiday Tribute. There is one show Friday evening at 7:30, a matinee Saturday at 3 p.m., and a Saturday evening show also at 7:30. All shows are at the Johnny Mercer Theater.


Savannah Weekend: Christmas on the River, Savannah Philharmonic, The Nutcracker

December 5, 2019 – WTOC

Also on Friday and Saturday, the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus presents their Holiday Spectacular Concert Series.

This year, the Savannah Children’s Choir will join the Philharmonic to tell the story of “The Gift of the Magi.” Savannah’s own beloved singer, Roger Moss will narrate the story.

In the second half of the show, the chorus joins the orchestra for a funky Motown Holiday Tribute. There is one show Friday evening at 7:30, a matinee Saturday at 3 p.m., and a Saturday evening show also at 7:30. All shows are at the Johnny Mercer Theater.


Philharmonic In The Streetz to play the Eastside

October 19, 2019 – Savannah Morning News

Savannah Philharmonic is taking its orchestral music to the east side with Philharmonic in the Streetz. The program will be from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Savannah Classical Academy parking lot.

Free and open to the public, musical performances will be by The Savannah Brass Quintet and students from Savannah Classical Academy’s Strings Conservatory Ensemble, Spartan Singers, and High School Choral Ensemble. Children’s entertainment and activities will be provided by Magic Marc and Loop it Up Savannah. Leopold’s will provide complimentary ice cream, and food will be available for purchase from the Dark Shark Tacos food truck.


Savannah Philharmonic colors Forsyth Park with 2019 Picnic in the Park

October 06, 2019 – Savannah Now

Forsyth Park was covered in a multitude of colors Sunday during the Savannah Philharmonic’s 2019 Picnic in the Park. This year’s theme was “Color Your World with Music.”

“We’re expecting this year’s Picnic in the Park to be the biggest ever due to the increase in sponsors and the digital enhancements that have been added,” said Savannah Philharmonic Executive Director Terri O’Neil.


Savannah Philharmonic returns with special guest for this year’s ‘Picnic in the Park’

October 02, 2019 – Do Savannah

Fresh off a lightning beginning to the season, the Savannah Philharmonic is roaring back with their largest event of the year on Sunday with the latest edition of “Picnic in the Park.”

This year’s event is asking attendees to “Color Your World with Music” and to help them accomplish this is guest conductor Gene Chang, a friend and colleague of newly-appointed Music and Artistic Director Designate Keitaro Harada. The former associate conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Chang comes highly-accomplished and what the Philharmonic staff sees as the perfect pick to take over the event. “Picnic in the Park is music for everybody,” Savannah Philharmonic executive director Terri O’Neill said. “You really want a personality that can shine in that environment but also (one) that knows a repertoire that speaks to a large and diverse crowd. Gene comes to us by recommendation of Keitaro but certainly has all the qualifications and qualities to be a showman in that venue.”