Concert will feature Mercer faculty member Dr. Richard Kosowski and student cellist Sihao He
MACON – Keitaro Harada, Mercer graduate and former conductor of the Mercer/Macon Symphony Youth Orchestra, will guest conduct the season finale of the Macon Symphony Orchestra on April 25 in a performance titled “Cinematic Celebration.” While in town, the rising star will also conduct a Young People's concert on April 24 for Bibb County students.
Keitaro Harada is increasingly recognized as a conducting luminary of the next generation. A student of Lorin Maazel at Castleton Festival and Fabio Luisi at Pacific Music Festival, recipient of the Seiji Ozawa Conducting Fellowship at Tanglewood Music Festival and the Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview, Harada's credentials are exemplary and, at the age of 28, his achievements are those of a seasoned conductor.
A native of Tokyo, Japan, Harada earned a Bachelor of Music in Performance degree from Mercer in 2007 and a Master of Music in Conducting in 2008.While in Macon, he founded the Mercer/Macon Symphony Youth Orchestra. “Mercer has been a crucial part of my training and I certainly credit my time in Macon which shaped me to become the artist I am now. I currently have a healthy career conducting in four continents and there is so much I would like to share,” said Harada.
The Macon Symphony Young People's concert will take place April 24 for Bibb County fifth-graders. For many, it will be their first live orchestral experience. Harada will adapt the repertoire to touch on state music education standards, helping students to understand different musical styles and eras. There will be two performances at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at The Grand Opera House.
From opera to Broadway to modern-day film, relive your favorite movie moments at Macon Symphony Orchestra's season finale on April 25. With an array of talented guest performers and the GCSU Choir, gems from the stage and screen will be brought to life in this grand “Cinematic Celebration.” The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. at The Grand Opera House. Single admission tickets are $38.50; student tickets are $18.50. Visit maconsymphony.com or call The Grand box office at (478) 301-5470.
