Keitaro Harada has been named music and artistic director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Photo by Taira Tairadate.
In Thursday’s (5/30) Dayton Daily News, Russell Florence Jr. writes, “The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance has selected conductor Keitaro Harada as the next music and artistic director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra…. DPAA President and CEO Patrick Nugent praised Harada and his artistry, recently displayed in April when he made his Dayton debut … The 39-year-old Harada, born in Tokyo, Japan, will” succeed Neal Gittleman, who was appointed music director in 1995. “Harada will begin his tenure during the 2024–2025 season as music and artistic director designate. He’ll officially assume the role of music and artistic director on July 1, 2025. He committed to a five-year term with the option to renew…. He currently serves as music and artistic director of the Savannah Philharmonic in Savannah, Georgia, a position he’s held since the 2020-21 season. In addition to his American posts, Harada also acts as permanent conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and is the principal guest conductor and artistic partner of the Aichi Chamber Orchestra in Japan. He previously served as associate conductor for four years at the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops … In 2013, he was invited to the League of American Orchestras Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview.”
