Savannah Philharmonic announced Keitaro Harada will remain in his role as Music & Artistic Director through the 2026-27 season.

In 2020 Harada’s tenure began with the Savannah Philharmonic. He was also named the Associate Conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra the same year. He continues to conduct internationally at the Sofia National Opera, Tokyo Nikikai Opera Theatre, North Carolina Opera, and Arizona Opera where he served as associate conductor. Harada was a Seiji Ozawa Fellow at the Tanglewood Music Festival in 2010. He is six-time recipient of the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award. He has also recorded three albums with the NHK Symphony Orchestra.

Executive Director Dr. Amy Williams said in a press release, “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. 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.”

The Philharmonic’s upcoming 2023-24 season, will feature works by Mozart, Gershwin, the Beatles, and more.