News Summary
The Savannah Philharmonic is set to kick off its 17th season with an opening night concert titled ‘American Classics.’ Featuring conductor Keitaro Harada and Concertmaster JoAnna Farrer, the concert will showcase a selection of American classical pieces, including Dvořák’s Violin Concerto. This exciting event is expected to offer audiences a blend of historical significance and emotional depth in American classical music.
Savannah — The Savannah Philharmonic is set to launch its 17th season with an opening night concert titled “American Classics.” Scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, the event will take place at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts, featuring Conductor Keitaro Harada at the helm of the orchestra. The concert will highlight JoAnna Farrer, the Philharmonic’s Concertmaster, as a Featured Guest Artist, who will perform the Dvořák Violin Concerto in A Minor, Op. 53.
The concert program promises an exciting array of pieces, including Beach’s Bal Masqué, Op. 22, Barber’s Adagio for Strings, and Copland’s Appalachian Spring: Suite. Audiences can look forward to a rich blend of American classical music, showcasing both historical significance and emotional depth as the season kicks off.
JoAnna Farrer, a prominent figure in the orchestral world, not only holds the position of Concertmaster with the Savannah Philharmonic but is also a member of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Her impressive resume includes solo performances with esteemed ensembles like the GoteborgsSymfoniker, Philadelphia Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and Israel Philharmonic, establishing her as a versatile and accomplished violinist.
Farrer’s expertise in her craft is further demonstrated through her collaborations with renowned conductors such as James Conlon, James DePreist, and Lorin Maazel. Her exceptional performances also include her work in Britten’s “The Turn of the Screw” at the Kennedy Center and as guest concertmaster for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. In addition to her orchestral engagements, Farrer has toured with several notable groups, including the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada.
Beyond classical music, Farrer is engaged in the Celtic music scene, performing mixed-genre works on electric and acoustic instruments in a variety of cities, including New York, Chicago, Paris, and London. Her debut album, titled “Liminal Paths”, was released in 2022 and showcases her diverse musical interests. Collaborations with prominent Irish and Scottish musicians such as Alasdair Fraser, Andy Lamy, and Natalie Haas further highlight her versatility.
Farrer’s experience in classical chamber music includes performing with esteemed artists like Pinchas Zukerman, Emanuel Ax, and Itzhak Perlman. She has appeared at Merkin Hall with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and was featured in the International Chamber Music Festival in Lima, Peru. Representing the United States at the Kyoto International Music Festival, Farrer has built a notable international presence in the music world.
A graduate of the Juilliard School, where she completed her Master’s Degree under the tutelage of Glenn Dicterow, Farrer is also an alumna of the Perlman Music Program and the National Arts Centre Young Artist Programme. She currently resides in northeastern Vermont with her husband, Darryl Kubian, and their collection of musical instruments and farm animals.
Tickets for the opening concert can be purchased through the SCAD Box Office website. For those interested in learning more about the Savannah Philharmonic and its upcoming season, additional information is available on their official website.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal: Savannah Philharmonic Announces Opening Night Concert
- Wikipedia: Savannah Philharmonic
- Savannah Now: Savannah Music Festival Names New Executive Director
- Google Search: Savannah Philharmonic
- Savannah Business Journal: Savannah Philharmonic Welcomes Five New Musicians
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah, Georgia
- WJCL: Savannah Philharmonic Strings Rehearse
- Google News: Savannah Philharmonic
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SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
