“The Richmond Symphony announced Wednesday the appointment of Keitaro Harada as associate conductor,” writes Bill Lohmann in Thursday’s (6/5) Richmond Times Dispatch (Virginia). “Harada, 29, a native of Tokyo, most recently has served as associate conductor of the Arizona Opera, principal guest conductor of the Sierra Vista Symphony Orchestra and as music director of the Phoenix Youth Symphony. In his role as associate conductor of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Harada will work with music director Steven Smith to prepare and conduct various concerts,” including masterworks, pops, and family programs. “He also will serve as the primary conductor for the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Elizabeth G. Schneider Discovery Series education concerts. He replaces Erin R. Freeman, who announced last summer she was leaving her post as associate conductor to become music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus. … In 2013, Harada was selected by the League of American Orchestras as one of six conductors for the Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview, a biennial event that showcases emerging conductors to orchestra industry leaders. He is a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy and completed his formal training at the University of Arizona…. Harada begins his work in Richmond in the fall.”
Posted June 9, 2014
