Upcoming Conductor Change, Berkeley Symphony

This was....unexpected:

BERKELEY, CA—The Berkeley Symphony today announced conductor changes to its February and April 2018 performances while Music Director Joana Carneiro anticipates the birth of her fourth child this spring with her husband José in Lisbon, Portugal, where they permanently reside. “We are thrilled for Joana and her family - they have our total love and support,” said René Mandel, Executive Director of the Berkeley Symphony. “We very much look forward to welcoming Joana back to the podium.”

Replacing Carneiro for the February 1 and 2 concerts—at Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley and San Francisco Conservatory of Music, respectively—is Keitaro Harada, who currently serves as Associate Conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops, as well as of the Arizona Opera. The program remains unchanged: Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine, Gordon Getty’s Joan and the Bells and Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique. The Symphony will be joined by the Berkeley Symphony Chorus, Eric Choate, chorusmaster, and soloists Lisa Delan, soprano; and Lester Lynch, baritone.
A substitute for the symphony’s April 19 program will be announced soon.

Best wishes to Joana Carneiro and her whole family!