“Peter Shannon has decided to step down as artistic director and conductor of the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra” after ten years in the position, reads an unsigned article in Wednesday’s (11/14) Savannah Morning News (Georgia). “Shannon will remain … conductor through the end of this celebratory 10th season…. The search for the next Philharmonic conductor and musical director is already being planned and a search committee comprised of board members, musicians and patrons will be formed. ‘From its very modest beginning to today, 10 years later, under Peter’s artistic leadership and on-stage charisma, the Savannah Philharmonic and Chorus has blossomed into a stable and much appreciated community asset,’ said Herb McKenzie, a long-standing board member. The Philharmonic has recently announced a number of new appointments, including Leslie Harris as development director, Kristen Spiridon as education and outreach coordinator and Matt Caine as chorusmaster. The organization is also expanding numerous initiatives, including the much-admired Integrative Medicine Program, which Peter Shannon established at Memorial Health and which brings the power of music to sick children and adults.” The Savannah Philharmonic was formed in 2008 and performed its first concerts in 2009, following the Savannah Symphony Orchestra’s bankruptcy in 2003.
Posted November 16, 2018
