The Soundtrack of Savannah

Finding Identity in the Music: An Exploration with Pianist & Composer Eric Jones

Welcome to the "Soundtrack of Savannah" Podcast! We're sitting down with pianist and composer Eric Jones. 
Eric Jones has collaborated with numerous renowned artists like - Grammy Award-winner Esperanza Spalding, Stewart Copeland of The Police, and Keith Miller of the Metropolitan Opera. In 2011, he debuted his work "Songs of Creation," which melds spiritual, jazz, and African elements with James Weldon Johnson's poem "The Creation."
Eric has so much musical knowledge to share - not only with us - but he's also a professor at Savannah State University. Eric discusses launching his first album "Azubuike" in 2019 - as well as his recent collaboration with the Savannah Philharmonic. Details below:
Saturday, September 21, 2024 | 7:30pmThe Lucas Theatre for the ArtsKeitaro Harada conductorDavid Fray piano
PROKOFIEV Classical SymphonyMOZART Piano Concerto No. 21 in C, K.467, “Elvira Madigan”ERIC JONES The Seafarer | Savannah Philharmonic commission!MOZART Symphony No. 35 in D, K.385, “Haffner”
Eric says: “The Seafarer is a music composition that evokes the spirit of oceanic adventure and the vast, untamed sea. With sweeping melodies and rhythmic swells, the piece captures the essence of a seafarer’s journey—both the excitement of exploration and the reflective solitude of life on the open waters."
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Meet Eric Jones
2024-2025 Season Concerts
Learn more about Opportunities to Support The SavPhil
Learn more about the SavPhil Community Music School
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media

The Secrets of a New Season: Featuring Keitaro Harada & Amy Williams

We're kicking off Season 2 of the "Soundtrack of Savannah" Podcast brought to you by the Savannah Philharmonic - so it's fitting that we are also kicking off the 2024-2025 Season concert calendar with Music and Artistic Director Keitaro Harada - and Executive Director Amy Williams for a detailed preview. 
The season opening will be "Romantic Rachmaninoff" Saturday, August 24th at 7:30pm at The Lucas Theatre for the Arts featuring Keitaro Harada conductor and Imani Winds!
Imani Winds is the 2024 GRAMMY® winner in the Classical Compendium category for Jeff Scott’s “Passion for Bach and Coltrane” released on their recently formed record label, Imani Winds Media. Celebrating over a quarter century of music making, the three-time GRAMMY® nominated group has led both a revolution and evolution of the wind quintet through their dynamic playing, adventurous programming, imaginative collaborations and outreach endeavors that have inspired audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
BUT WAIT, there's more! Tap THIS LINK for the full lineup of the new season.
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Meet Keitaro Harada
Meet Amy Williams
Meet Imani Winds
Learn more about Opportunities to Support The SavPhil
Learn more about the SavPhil Community Music School
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media

The Savannah Civic Center, Johnny Mercer Theatre Update: A Thoughtful Approach to Our Past and Our Future

Executive Director Amy Williams joins us on this episode for an amazing update on the Savannah Civic Center site, comprised of the Johnny Mercer Theatre and Martin Luther King Jr. Arena.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said, "This was the best decision we could make at this time. It's probably the most even-handed, thoughtful approach that gives consideration to our past and to our future."
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Upcoming SAVPHIL Concerts
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media
Learn more about Education Initiatives with the SAVPHIL
THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS
Tap here to SUPPORT the SAVPHIL

The Voices are Lifted: Savannah Philharmonic Chorus Camp Strikes a Perfect Note for Community and Connections

We are "on location" for this melodic episode of the Soundtrack of Savannah!
DAY 2 of Chorus Camp is about to get underway, and we are on the edge of our seats in Regina Coeli Hall in the undercroft of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. 
Members of the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus, as well as eager members of the community will be joining us to talk about the magnificent experience of coming together to learn from our chorus master Paul Thornock alongside other teaching staff - Rebecca Flaherty & William Lavonis. 
We're joined on this episode by: 
Dr. Paul Thornock (Chorus Master)
Jim Shields (Bass)
Annette Howell (Alto) 
Brian Dennison (Tenor) 
Becca Flaherty (Vocal Coach, Music Teacher) 
Darren Weaver (Tenor)
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Learn more about the SavPhil Chorus
Upcoming SAVPHIL Concerts
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media
Learn more about Education Initiatives with the SAVPHIL
THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS
Tap here to SUPPORT the SAVPHIL

The Scene is 1924 - Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue at 100 with The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra

"Although his star was rising quickly as a songwriter, Gershwin aspired to compose larger-scale classical compositions. He took this first big step with his Rhapsody in Blue for piano and orchestra. This piece would be part of a program that was billed as “An Experiment in Modern Music,” with the intent to fuse the dance rhythms of jazz with the seriousness of the orchestral concert hall." --David H. Johnson
We're joined on this episode by the dynamic duo - Dr. Sinisa Ciric, Director of Artistic Operations, who is the Concertmaster Emeritus of the Savannah Philharmonic and former concertmaster of Jackson and Rome Symphonies AND Ricardo Ochoa, the Principal Second Violinist of the Savannah Philharmonic. 
Rhapsody in Blue at 100 with The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra is happening Saturday, June 15th at the Lucas Theatre with the SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC, KEITARO HARADA conductor, and THE FABULOUS EQUINOX ORCHESTRA with AARON LEHRIAN piano. 
Program includes Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue in its original dance band version, as heard at the 1924 premiere, plus other Gershwin favorites!
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Learn more about The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra
Upcoming SAVPHIL Concerts
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media
Learn more about Education Initiatives with the SAVPHIL
THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS
Tap here to SUPPORT the SAVPHIL

The Mesmerizing Soprano, The Vigorous Gold Medalist: Elizabeth Baldwin Soars into Savannah

American Soprano Elizabeth Baldwin just recently set Savannah hearts on fire after her jaw-dropping, thunderous performance of Verdi Requiem at the Lucas Theatre with the Savannah Philharmonic and the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus.
To say she's a "winner" is a massive understatement. Ms. Baldwin is a 2024 First Place Gold Medalist with the American Traditions Vocal Collection Competition and two-time Sherrill Milnes Opera Award winner (just to mention a few). 
On the concert stage, Ms. Baldwin was heard recently in a recital performing with Howard Watkins at the Savannah VOICE Festival; Verdi’s Requiem with Alabama Symphony Orchestra (a work later covered with the San Diego Symphony); Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with Akron Symphony, Sarasota Symphony Orchestra, and Gulf Coast Symphony; Handel’s Messiah with Erie Philharmonic Orchestra; and Strauss’ Vier Letzte Lieder with Denver Philharmonic Orchestra.
She sits down with us to talk about her performances around the country, her love for Savannah, and her secrets to "nailing the note". 
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Meet Elizabeth Baldwin
Upcoming SAVPHIL Concerts
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media
Learn more about Education Initiatives with the SAVPHIL
THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS
Tap here to SUPPORT the SAVPHIL

The Orchestra Librarian, The Cellist, and The Doctor that came to Savannah

We're so thrilled to sit down and get to know Dr. Leah Dutton, who is the multitalented librarian - and cellist - for the Savannah Philharmonic. Leah talks about her journey from Pennsylvania to Brazil - where by the way - she spent 5 years working as the principal cellist of the Paraíba Symphony Orchestra and completed her Master’s degree at the Federal University of Paraíba. She also recalls the beautiful, drizzly November day she came to Savannah for the first time. 
Leah and her husband have a distinct connection with Dr. Sinisa Ciric, Director of Artistic Operations, and the Concertmaster Emeritus of the Savannah Philharmonic. 
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Meet Leah Dutton
Upcoming SAVPHIL Concerts
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media
Learn more about Education Initiatives with the SAVPHIL
THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS
Tap here to SUPPORT the SAVPHIL

The Savannah Philharmonic: Coming to a Neighborhood Near YOU!

When the Savannah Philharmonic talks about community, they really mean it! The "Phil the Neighborhoods" series is almost here - and this Spring the SAVPHIL is going on tour to three fabulous neighborhoods: Tanger Outlets, Victory Heights, and Chippewa Square. 
Artistic Manger Sharon Mays joins us on this episode to talk about the importance of community-driven concerts. We also chat about the audition process for the SAVPHIL orchestra and the SAVPHIL Chorus, as well as the upcoming Chorus Camp. 
Join the Phil the Neighborhoods Concerts:
Tanger Outlets Friday, April 26t at 7pm
Victory Heights Saturday, April 27th at 7pm
Chippewa Square Sunday, April 28th at 3pm
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Meet Sharon Mays
Upcoming SAVPHIL Concerts
Tap here for details on Chorus Camp
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media
Learn more about Education Initiatives with the SAVPHIL
THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS
Tap here to SUPPORT the SAVPHIL

The Savannah Civic Center, The Johnny Mercer Theatre: The History is Forever, The Future is Now

We're having a wonderful meeting of the "Executive Director Minds" with Executive Director from the Savannah Philharmonic - Amy Williams, and Executive Director of the Savannah Music Festival - Gene Dobbs Bradford. 
The question we are asking ourselves is - where will we grow? It's truly time to "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive"!
From the City of Savannah: In February 2022, Savannah opened the state-of-the-art Enmarket Arena on Stiles Avenue, just west of downtown and east of Historic Carver Village. In anticipation of that historic milestone, the City has been developing a plan for the 50-year-old Savannah Civic Center, comprised of the Martin Luther King Jr. Arena and Johnny Mercer Theater, which sit on nearly 8 acres in Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District. 
In 1972, the City of Savannah completed the construction of the Savannah Civic Center on the site of the former Municipal Auditorium.  The facility currently encompasses a 7.0-acre site—the equivalent of 10 city blocks—and includes the 9,700-seat Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena, 2,500-seat Johnny Mercer Theatre, ballrooms, several multi-purpose rooms used for several municipal and community purposes, and two levels of lobby space. 
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Civic Center Restoration Plan Petition
Pictures & Video for this historic restoration project
Meet Gene Dobbs Bradford
The Savannah Music Festival | March 28 - April 13, 2024
Meet the Savannah Philharmonic Staff
Upcoming SAVPHIL Concerts
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media
Learn more about Education Initiatives with the SAVPHIL
THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS
Tap here to SUPPORT the SAVPHIL
 

The Energy, The Dynamics, The Conductor: It's Electric!

We're sitting down with the undeniably dynamic - Music and Artistic Director of the Savannah Philharmonic - Keitaro Harada. 
Conductor Kei is taking us behind the scenes of mapping out the seasons at the SavPhil by giving us a glimpse into building the experiences that can only be had in Savannah, with the Savannah Philharmonic. 
Keitaro has transformed the quality of the orchestra and energized its audiences throughout the community with his imaginative programs and charismatic presence. He's the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award and is consistently providing riveting concerts and opera performances in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. 
The Savannah Philharmonic 2024-2025 Season has been announced - and the lineup is amazing! See the full lineup HERE.
IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:
Meet Keitaro Harada
Meet the Savannah Philharmonic Staff
Upcoming SAVPHIL Concerts
Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media
Learn more about Education Initiatives with the SAVPHIL
THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS
Tap here to SUPPORT the SAVPHIL