The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance has named Keitaro Harada as the next music and artistic director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Harada will serve as music and artistic director designate during the 2024-2025 season before officially assuming the position on July 1, 2025, with a five-year initial commitment.

Harada becomes the fifth music director in the orchestra’s 92-year history, following Paul Katz, Charles Wendleken-Wilson, Isaiah Jackson, and Neal Gittleman. He was selected from nearly 250 applicants. The search yielded 57 preliminary candidates and 27 finalists representing 40 states and 26 countries.

Harada holds the 2023 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award and currently serves as music and artistic director of the Savannah Philharmonic. DPAA Players’ Committee Chair Chad Arnow said the musicians “are thrilled to welcome Keitaro Harada.”

Source: https://daytonperformingarts.org/the-dayton-performing-arts-alliance-names-keitaro-harada-as-the-next-music-and-artistic-director-of-the-dayton-philharmonic-orchestra/