Welcome to the "Soundtrack of Savannah" Podcast! We're sitting down with pianist and composer Eric Jones.

Eric Jones has collaborated with numerous renowned artists like - Grammy Award-winner Esperanza Spalding, Stewart Copeland of The Police, and Keith Miller of the Metropolitan Opera. In 2011, he debuted his work "Songs of Creation," which melds spiritual, jazz, and African elements with James Weldon Johnson's poem "The Creation."

Eric has so much musical knowledge to share - not only with us - but he's also a professor at Savannah State University. Eric discusses launching his first album "Azubuike" in 2019 - as well as his recent collaboration with the Savannah Philharmonic. Details below:

Saturday, September 21, 2024 | 7:30pm The Lucas Theatre for the Arts Keitaro Harada conductor David Fray piano

PROKOFIEV Classical Symphony MOZART Piano Concerto No. 21 in C, K.467, “Elvira Madigan” ERIC JONES The Seafarer | Savannah Philharmonic commission! MOZART Symphony No. 35 in D, K.385, “Haffner”

Eric says: “The Seafarer is a music composition that evokes the spirit of oceanic adventure and the vast, untamed sea. With sweeping melodies and rhythmic swells, the piece captures the essence of a seafarer’s journey—both the excitement of exploration and the reflective solitude of life on the open waters."

IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:

Meet Eric Jones

2024-2025 Season Concerts

Learn more about Opportunities to Support The SavPhil

Learn more about the SavPhil Community Music School

Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media

We're kicking off Season 2 of the "Soundtrack of Savannah" Podcast brought to you by the Savannah Philharmonic - so it's fitting that we are also kicking off the 2024-2025 Season concert calendar with Music and Artistic Director Keitaro Harada - and Executive Director Amy Williams for a detailed preview.

The season opening will be "Romantic Rachmaninoff" Saturday, August 24th at 7:30pm at The Lucas Theatre for the Arts featuring Keitaro Harada conductor and Imani Winds!

Imani Winds is the 2024 GRAMMY® winner in the Classical Compendium category for Jeff Scott’s “Passion for Bach and Coltrane” released on their recently formed record label, Imani Winds Media. Celebrating over a quarter century of music making, the three-time GRAMMY® nominated group has led both a revolution and evolution of the wind quintet through their dynamic playing, adventurous programming, imaginative collaborations and outreach endeavors that have inspired audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

BUT WAIT, there's more! Tap THIS LINK for the full lineup of the new season.

IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:

Meet Keitaro Harada

Meet Amy Williams

Meet Imani Winds

Learn more about Opportunities to Support The SavPhil

Learn more about the SavPhil Community Music School

Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media

Executive Director Amy Williams joins us on this episode for an amazing update on the Savannah Civic Center site, comprised of the Johnny Mercer Theatre and Martin Luther King Jr. Arena.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said, "This was the best decision we could make at this time. It's probably the most even-handed, thoughtful approach that gives consideration to our past and to our future."

IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:

Upcoming SAVPHIL Concerts

Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media

Learn more about Education Initiatives with the SAVPHIL

THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS

Tap here to SUPPORT the SAVPHIL

We are "on location" for this melodic episode of the Soundtrack of Savannah!

DAY 2 of Chorus Camp is about to get underway, and we are on the edge of our seats in Regina Coeli Hall in the undercroft of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

Members of the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus, as well as eager members of the community will be joining us to talk about the magnificent experience of coming together to learn from our chorus master Paul Thornock alongside other teaching staff - Rebecca Flaherty & William Lavonis.

We're joined on this episode by:

Dr. Paul Thornock (Chorus Master)

Jim Shields (Bass)

Annette Howell (Alto)

Brian Dennison (Tenor)

Becca Flaherty (Vocal Coach, Music Teacher)

Darren Weaver (Tenor)

IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:

Learn more about the SavPhil Chorus

Upcoming SAVPHIL Concerts

Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media

Learn more about Education Initiatives with the SAVPHIL

THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS

Tap here to SUPPORT the SAVPHIL

"Although his star was rising quickly as a songwriter, Gershwin aspired to compose larger-scale classical compositions. He took this first big step with his Rhapsody in Blue for piano and orchestra. This piece would be part of a program that was billed as “An Experiment in Modern Music,” with the intent to fuse the dance rhythms of jazz with the seriousness of the orchestral concert hall." --David H. Johnson

We're joined on this episode by the dynamic duo - Dr. Sinisa Ciric, Director of Artistic Operations, who is the Concertmaster Emeritus of the Savannah Philharmonic and former concertmaster of Jackson and Rome Symphonies AND Ricardo Ochoa, the Principal Second Violinist of the Savannah Philharmonic.

Rhapsody in Blue at 100 with The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra is happening Saturday, June 15th at the Lucas Theatre with the SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC, KEITARO HARADA conductor, and THE FABULOUS EQUINOX ORCHESTRA with AARON LEHRIAN piano.

Program includes Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue in its original dance band version, as heard at the 1924 premiere, plus other Gershwin favorites!

IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:

Learn more about The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra

Upcoming SAVPHIL Concerts

Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media

Learn more about Education Initiatives with the SAVPHIL

THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS

Tap here to SUPPORT the SAVPHIL

American Soprano Elizabeth Baldwin just recently set Savannah hearts on fire after her jaw-dropping, thunderous performance of Verdi Requiem at the Lucas Theatre with the Savannah Philharmonic and the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus.

To say she's a "winner" is a massive understatement. Ms. Baldwin is a 2024 First Place Gold Medalist with the American Traditions Vocal Collection Competition and two-time Sherrill Milnes Opera Award winner (just to mention a few).

On the concert stage, Ms. Baldwin was heard recently in a recital performing with Howard Watkins at the Savannah VOICE Festival; Verdi’s Requiem with Alabama Symphony Orchestra (a work later covered with the San Diego Symphony); Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with Akron Symphony, Sarasota Symphony Orchestra, and Gulf Coast Symphony; Handel’s Messiah with Erie Philharmonic Orchestra; and Strauss’ Vier Letzte Lieder with Denver Philharmonic Orchestra.

She sits down with us to talk about her performances around the country, her love for Savannah, and her secrets to "nailing the note".

IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:

Meet Elizabeth Baldwin

Upcoming SAVPHIL Concerts

Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media

Learn more about Education Initiatives with the SAVPHIL

THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS

Tap here to SUPPORT the SAVPHIL

We're so thrilled to sit down and get to know Dr. Leah Dutton, who is the multitalented librarian - and cellist - for the Savannah Philharmonic. Leah talks about her journey from Pennsylvania to Brazil - where by the way - she spent 5 years working as the principal cellist of the Paraíba Symphony Orchestra and completed her Master’s degree at the Federal University of Paraíba. She also recalls the beautiful, drizzly November day she came to Savannah for the first time.

Leah and her husband have a distinct connection with Dr. Sinisa Ciric, Director of Artistic Operations, and the Concertmaster Emeritus of the Savannah Philharmonic.

IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:

Meet Leah Dutton

Upcoming SAVPHIL Concerts

Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media

Learn more about Education Initiatives with the SAVPHIL

THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS

Tap here to SUPPORT the SAVPHIL

When the Savannah Philharmonic talks about community, they really mean it! The "Phil the Neighborhoods" series is almost here - and this Spring the SAVPHIL is going on tour to three fabulous neighborhoods: Tanger Outlets, Victory Heights, and Chippewa Square.

Artistic Manger Sharon Mays joins us on this episode to talk about the importance of community-driven concerts. We also chat about the audition process for the SAVPHIL orchestra and the SAVPHIL Chorus, as well as the upcoming Chorus Camp.

Join the Phil the Neighborhoods Concerts:

Tanger Outlets Friday, April 26t at 7pm

Victory Heights Saturday, April 27th at 7pm

Chippewa Square Sunday, April 28th at 3pm

IMPORTANT LINKS & MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:

Meet Sharon Mays

Upcoming SAVPHIL Concerts

Tap here for details on Chorus Camp

Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media

Learn more about Education Initiatives with the SAVPHIL

THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS

Tap here to SUPPORT the SAVPHIL