So as we celebrate the Soundtrack of Savannah, we should applaud the leadership of the Savannah Philharmonic.
The planned concert Season for 2022-2023 is a series of blended performances, bringing Jazz, Blues, and classical performances, not only to the gilded halls of our community but to the backyards and doorsteps of our neighbors.
In a time when our racial challenges often seem legion, what the Savannah Philharmonic has done is shown us all with one concert series that the Philharmonic is truly for all of us.
Savannah Morning News | Marc L. Roark
Following Maestro Keitaro Harada with accuracy and awareness, the pit provided a perfect bed of sound for the company. The overture set the tone with triumph and sparkle, and this character lasted throughout the following two and a half hours. The strings played continuous eighth-note passages with matched articulations and awareness of the action onstage, and the winds passed around melodic material seamlessly. Special commendation to both the flute and celeste players, whose solos directly correlated to pantomimes on stage and went off without a hitch.
Cultural Voice of North Carolina | Emmeline MacMillan
Sarah Tucker’s interpretation of Pamina had both delicate innocence and rich emotional depth, and I was blown away by her ability to sing extreme pianissimo – kudos to the orchestra as well for matching the dynamic range with sensitivity.
Cultural Voice of North Carolina | Emmeline MacMillan
The NC Opera Orchestra was led by Keitaro Harada, who did an excellent job of keeping the long ends of the orchestra pit and the middle. but deep, stage activity all together and on the beat. The orchestra made a gorgeous lush sound and was always conscious of balance between singers and orchestra. Harada made his NCO debut in 2011 conducting Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw and returned last season for Carmen. He is currently the music and artistic director of the Savanah Philharmonic in Georgia.
The show was well-balanced, moved along at a comfortable pace and was a satisfying pleasure.