Club Meeting:Savannah Music Festival /Jazz Academy

 Dr. Sinisa Ćirić is an accomplished arts executive, internationally recognized violinist, and
dedicated educator with more than thirty years of experience in performance, artistic leadership,
and cultural programming. In June 2025, he was appointed Executive Director of the Savannah
Music Festival, where he is responsible for shaping strategic vision, advancing institutional
sustainability, and stewarding one of the South’s premier cultural organizations.
Previously, Dr. Ćirić served as General Manager of the Savannah Philharmonic, where he also
holds the honorary title of Concertmaster Emeritus. He has appeared extensively as a soloist
and orchestral leader, serving as concertmaster for several regional orchestras throughout the
Southeast. As a founding member of the Balkan Quartet, he has elevated the musical traditions
of his native Serbia and the Balkan Peninsula through performances at major venues including
the Kennedy Center and Spoleto Festival, with broadcasts on NPR and international streaming
platforms.
Dr. Ćirić earned his undergraduate degree from the Academy of Arts at the University of Novi
Sad (Serbia) and completed his master’s and doctoral degrees in violin and viola performance
at the University of Georgia. He has held teaching appointments as an Artist Affiliate at Emory
University and served as Director of the Strings Conservatory Program at Savannah Classical
Academy from 2016 to 2020. His artistic leadership roles also include Artistic Director of the
Larsen Spotlight Chamber Music Series and Director of Artistic Operations at the Savannah
Philharmonic.
In 2023, Dr. Ćirić was one of 36 professionals worldwide selected for the League of American
Orchestras’ Essentials of Orchestra Management program in partnership with Juilliard
Extension. The following year, he advanced his leadership trajectory as General Manager of the
Savannah Philharmonic and as a graduate of Leadership Savannah, the nation’s second-oldest
civic leadership program. He resides in Savannah with his wife, Maja, and their two younger
children, while their eldest son is pursuing a legal career in Washington, DC. Together, they
co-founded Klassikum, a creative studio and consulting agency blending music, storytelling, and
purpose.