9-13-2025 11:53am

KEITARO HARADA: NEW MUSICAL DIRECTOR FOR DAYTON PHILHARMONIC TAKES THE STAGE

Beth Callahan Editor

DAYTON, OH -- With the recent departure of DPO Conductor Neal Gittleman we can now say : daijoubu — which in Japanese translates to: “It’s under control" or “OK" for our local professional symphony orchestra in Dayton.

Keitaro Harada, an internationally prominent conductor, has been named the 5th Musical Director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Keitaro brings a wealth of experience. He has recently been Musical and Artistic Director of the Savannah Symphony, been named Permanent Director of the Tokyo Symphony and Principal Guest Partner of the Aichi Philharmonic, and in addition to all this, he has had numerous appearances around the world as a guest conductor for both opera and symphony orchestras. In 2023, he won the prestigious Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award.

A few years ago in Ohio, Keitaro was an Associate Conductor working with Louis Langree and the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops, as well as with James Conlon and the May Festival. Although not a total stranger to Ohio, he is new to the Dayton area, including Warren County.

When asked about plans to visit Warren County, Keitaro answered with enthusiasm...

“I look forward to exploring more of Warren County. Strolling downtown Springboro is a favorite of mine. I’ve not yet been to the Cincinnati Open, but I look forward to going next year! I love tennis. My wife’s family actually operates a tennis academy back home in Japan. So, it’s something we’re really passionate about as a family. I’ve read about the updates that have been made to the Lindner Tennis Center, and it looks incredible. It’s amazing to be so close to the tournament!”

I know that Keitaro will love being in our area, and audiences will be excited about the positive energy that he will bring as the new Musical Director of the Dayton Philharmonic.

His first concerts with the DPO are September 19 - 20. The program will feature: Nielsen Symphony No.4 and the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with pianist Garrick Ohlsson.

The DPO Concerts are in the Winsupply Theatre in the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Center: 1 W.2nd St. Dayton, Ohio 45402 Parking is available at the Arts Garage ($10.00) across the street or in lots near the Center. Tickets begin at $16.50 - $121.00. Discounts available for seniors, military and educators. The DPO is the closest professional orchestra to residents in and north of Lebanon and Turtlecreek Township area of Warren County, Ohio.

For information: info@daytonperformingarts.org ( 937-228-3630)