Hear the full "AAPI Classical Musicians of Interlochen" podcast feature by clicking or tapping "Listen" above.
This May, Classical IPR celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month on Classical IPR by featuring just some of the many AAPI artists of Interlochen who play significant roles in the classical music world.
Japanese conductor Keitaro Harada attended Interlochen Arts Academy from 2002 to 2004. He initially studied saxophone and hoped to become a professional saxophonist, but at Interlochen, Harada met conductor Frederick Fennell, who then inspired him to pursue conducting.
Harada made his first public performance as a conductor at Interlochen and has since gone on to the podiums before orchestras and operas in the United States, Japan and around the world. He currently holds positions with the Savannah Philharmonic, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and the Aichi Chamber Orchestra.
Listen to the brilliant textures of the Kamui-Chikap Symphony by the contemporary Japanese composer Takashi Yoshimatsu, performed by the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Keitaro Harada.
Harada will be returning to Interlochen Arts Camp to conduct the World Youth Symphony Orchestra this summer in a dazzling performance featuring music by Paul Dukas, Alexander Borodin and Natsumi Yamamoto.
