The Savannah Philharmonic will welcome a new Director of Artistic Operations on December 3, 2018. Edward J. Lada, a distinguished arts administrator, will assume the role previously held by Chris Merkle.

Lada comes to the Savannah Philharmonic from Wichita Grand Opera, where he served as the President & CEO and spent the first decade of his career in arts administration. Lada is also a lecturer in music at Newman University in Wichita, Kansas. In addition to his administrative experience, Lada holds master’s degrees in Trombone Performance and Orchestral Conducting from the University of Oklahoma. In his spare time, he is an active performer in everything from classical to big band, rock, and salsa.

The organization’s artistic operations director assists the artistic director and executive director in planning the Philharmonic’s season of concerts and events, including the hiring of guest soloists. He’ll work closely with all soloists, collaborators, contractors and others to ensure that all are provided with up-to-date and relevant information for appropriate events. Lada will also develop and manage all rehearsal and performance schedules, times and venues, as well as coordinate the setup of the stage, dressing rooms, and other venue needs. In addition, the artistic operations director aids the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus in all necessary ways, musical and logistical.

“I am honored and eager to join the Savannah Philharmonic family as the organization’s new Director of Artistic Operations. I am thoroughly impressed by how much this fantastic musical organization has accomplished in only a decade, and I look forward to being a part of that growth and success as the Philharmonic continues to blaze impressive paths,” Lada said.