When Beatles meets symphony

The Savannah Philharmonic presents “Classical Mystery Tour”
The Savannah Philharmonic is proud to announce an upcoming performance that will transport audiences back in time. On Saturday, Jan. 20, the Philharmonic will present “Classical Mystery Tour” at the Lucas Theatre, a show that pays tribute to the iconic music of The Beatles. Under the baton of conductor Keitaro Harada, the Savannah Philharmonic will bring to life all of your favorite Beatles memories, accompanied by special guests.
“Classical Mystery Tour” has been captivating audiences around the world for nearly 25 years. Since its debut in 1996, the group has performed with over 100 orchestras across the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. They have had the privilege of playing at prestigious venues like the Sydney Opera House and have collaborated with renowned orchestras such as The Cleveland Orchestra and The Boston Pops Orchestra.
Not only will the Savannah Philarmonic perform these classic hits, but they will be joined onstage by The Beatles. Well, not exactly George, Paul, Ringo, and John, themselves, but the four musicians who make up the “Classical Mystery Tour.” They not only sound like The Beatles, but they also resemble them in appearance.
However, this show is more than just a typical rock concert. “Classical Mystery Tour” faithfully recreates the magic of The Beatles’ music by performing over two dozen of their greatest hits as they were recorded. From the trumpets in “Penny Lane” to the acoustic guitar and string quartet in “Yesterday,” every detail is meticulously crafted and performed.
The show also features a blend of classical and rock elements, showcased in songs like “I Am the Walrus” and “A Day in the Life.” It truly is the best of The Beatles, spanning the band’s early years into their solo careers.
Keitaro Harada, the conductor of the Savannah Philharmonic, is thrilled to be a part of this unique performance. In describing the concert, Harada explains, “In January, our concert starts with the ‘Classical Mystery Tour’ that will play their iconic Ed Sullivan Show set for 30 minutes. The orchestra joins, adding stunning string arrangements to their performances. This collaboration is the common denominator that ties everything together.”
The success of the Savannah Philharmonic has been extraordinary, with a growing number of new audience members each season. Harada proudly shares, “In the past year, 60 percent of our ticket buyers were new. Last season, we reached 80 percent of capacity and had to stop selling subscriptions in June. It’s incredible to see the demand for our concerts, especially for shows like the Beatles tribute.”
The Philharmonic has been actively engaging with the community through various initiatives, including neighborhood concerts and free performances in Forsyth Park. Harada explains, “We performed at people’s balconies and front yards, reaching out to new audiences. We had incredible turnouts. It’s evident that we’re serving the community with live music.”
When asked about the popularity of the upcoming Beatles show, Harada says, “There’s something for everyone that they can’t see. It’s a beautiful dilemma that we face – the demand for tickets is exceeding our capacity. The strong sense of community in Savannah has also played a role in the Philharmonic’s success.” Harada shares, “There’s a special connection among the locals here, and we often experience it with sold-out shows. People reach out, hoping for a ticket, and it’s amazing to see the support we receive.”
For Harada, the Beatles hold a special place in his heart. He confesses, “It’s hard for me to find a Beatles song that I don’t like. Their ability to create hit after hit is truly remarkable.” With “Classical Mystery Tour,” the Savannah Philharmonic aims to honor the extraordinary legacy of The Beatles while providing audiences with an unforgettable musical experience.
On Jan. 20, The Savannah Philharmonic will present “Classical Mystery Tour” at the Lucas Theatre. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:
https://savannahphilharmonic.org/event/classical-mystery-tour/
Categories: Music & Clubs
Tags: , Music, Music Club