Sinisa Ciric
Director of Artistic Operations
Dr. Sinisa Ciric, Director of Artistic Operations, is the Concertmaster of the Savannah Philharmonic, Gwinnett Ballet Orchestra, and former concertmaster of Jackson and Rome Symphonies. As a member of ARCO Chamber Orchestra (formerly the Moscow Chamber Orchestra), Dr. Ciric has performed at Carnegie Hall and was featured as soloist on ARCO’s most recent recording of Vivaldi’s concertos for multiple violins. He is also a founding member of the acclaimed Balkan Quartet which promotes the rich musical heritage of Ciric’s native Serbia.
Dr. Ciric received his undergraduate degree from the Academy of Arts, University of Novi Sad (Serbia), and his masters and doctoral degree from the University of Georgia. Prior to joining the administrative team of the SavPhil, Ciric was the Director of Strings Conservatory Program at the Savannah Classical Academy. Sinisa enjoys living in Savannah with his wife Maya and their two children, Anastasia and Luca.
Brad Behr
Education & Community Initiatives Manager
Dr. Brad Behr is a professional bassoonist and serves as the Education and Community Initiatives Manager for the Savannah Philharmonic. Prior to joining the SavPhil, he held a similar role at the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. An active performer, Brad currently performs with the SavPhil, HHSO, and other fine ensembles in the region.
Before joining the SavPhil team, Brad performed with the Jacksonville Symphony and was a faculty member at the University of North Florida’s School of Music. In addition to directing the Applied Bassoon studio at UNF, he instructed courses in Music Education, World Music, Music Literature, and Music Pedagogy.
Gabby Lauretti
Development and Engagement Associate
Gabby Lauretti currently serves as the Development and Engagement Associate for the Savannah Philharmonic. Prior to joining the organization, Gabby worked as an Account Coordinator with BeccaPR in New York City, a leading creative communications agency in the hospitality industry and BBDO Worldwide in Dallas while concurrently pursuing her undergraduate degree.
Gabby, a Savannah native, graduated from Southern Methodist University with degrees in Vocal Performance and Advertising. She is currently studying Nutrition at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
Mike Daly
Orchestra Personnel Manager
Michael Daly has played Principal Horn with the Savannah Philharmonic since its inception in 2008. In 2015, he was appointed Principal Horn with the Augusta Symphony. Mr Daly frequently performs with the Charleston Symphony, South Carolina Philharmonic, Greenville Symphony Orchestra and the Hilton Head Symphony. His summers are spent as Second Horn of the Des Moines Metro Opera.
Past engagements have included a four year tour with the Broadway musical Les Misérables, and tours of Taiwan and China with the Hollywood Concert Orchestra. Michael holds degrees from Indiana University and Wichita State University and has studied with Nicholas Smith, Michael Hatfield and David Krehbiel.
Marsha Krantz
Librarian
Marsha recently relocated to Savannah from Indianapolis, IN where she was a frequent violin and viola sub with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and the recording studios. She has an M.M. in Violin Performance and also loves to teach. In addition to playing she was the Music Librarian for the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra for 8 years and was delighted to take the position when it became available with the Savannah Philharmonic.
Mel Whitehead
Chorusmaster
A native of California, Mel earned his BM in Vocal Performance from California State Fullerton and his Masters in Vocal Performance from University of Southern California. After singing professionally for 15 years, he settled in Georgia with his wife Sally, and began teaching. In 2006, he earned a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction through the Arts from Lesley University, and in 2017, his EdS in Educational Leadership from Georgia College. He is currently the Performing Arts Supervisor for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.
