The Savannah Philharmonic is pleased to announce Conductor Keitaro Harada’s contract renewal as Music and Artistic Director through the 2026-27 Season. This is a milestone moment for the organization, as Maestro Harada maintains a growing international presence and his creative leadership and vision have been instrumental in the SavPhil’s current success.

Together with Executive Director Amy Williams, Harada has broadened the reach of the Philharmonic beyond the concert hall by bringing music to the community and sharing diverse musical genres, with a goal of providing something for everyone to enjoy. Having joined the Philharmonic during the 2020-21 Season, he has conducted concerts throughout the region, from downtown Savannah to Richmond Hill, to Statesboro, and his passionate energy from the podium is palpable. Harada also serves as the Associate Conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra.

“We are so fortunate to have Kei with us for four more years. He inspires us all with his ideas and energy, and we lead together with the goal of bringing the joy of music to as many people as possible,” states Dr. Williams. “This partnership led to us launching our Phil the Neighborhoods series last season, and then welcoming 20,000 people to Phil the Park in Forsyth, and also expanding our music education programs and putting instruments in the hands of kids across Savannah.”

With the renewed contract comes renewed enthusiasm from Harada: “The SavPhil musicians, chorus and staff are incredibly talented and dedicated to enriching the performing and cultural arts across Savannah, and our new initiatives have resulted in us welcoming many new patrons to our events and to back-to-back sold-out performances this season. I am so excited by the direction our organization is moving, and this extension allows me to further share my vision for the future and helps to bring my dreams to life. Thank you, Savannah, for your trust in me.” The Philharmonic’s current season concludes this May, but the team looks forward to presenting year-round programming for the upcoming 2023-24 Season, which offers everything from Mozart, to the Beatles, to Gershwin. Under Harada’s artistic leadership, the future continues to shine bright.

“It’s a privilege and gift to secure Kei’s tenure as the Savannah Philharmonic’s artistic leader,” shares Chair of the Board of Trustees Scott Lauretti. “He is a world-class conductor and musician, and his continued commitment to our community affirms our mission to entertain, inspire and connect us all through music.”