The Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, a professional orchestra presenting a full range of concerts from classics to pops each season, today announced Executive Director David Pratt has accepted a position as executive director with the Santa Barbara Symphony, effective March 1, 2015. 

“David has done a wonderful job here in Savannah. We will miss his leadership but wish him every success on his new journey with the Santa Barbara Symphony,” said Savannah Philharmonic Board Chair Melissa Emery. “David has positioned the Philharmonic for its next phase of success and we will begin our search for a qualified executive director immediately.”

Pratt has served for the last four years as executive director of the Savannah Philharmonic and has significantly grown the organization. Since 2010, the organization has built a loyal subscription base of more than 400 subscribers from the ground up, doubled earned income and quadrupled contributed income, making it the fastest growing cultural organization in Savannah.

“I am eternally grateful to the Savannah community for their tremendous support of the Savannah Philharmonic,” said David Pratt. “It has been incredibly rewarding for me over the last four years to grow this organization into one of Savannah’s most treasured cultural assets and I leave this organization in excellent financial shape.”

Pratt, a native of Australia, has more than 15 years of successful management experience in leadership roles across the performing arts, film and entertainment sectors in the United States and Australia. Prior to joining the Savannah Philharmonic, he held the position of senior event manager with the G’Day USA Festival, where he created and managed a series of arts, cultural and music events across several cities in the United States.