The new executive director of the Savannah Music Festival is keeping the organization strong as it enters its 37th year.
Written by Kathryn Drury Wagner
Photography by Tiffany Bradley
As executive director of the Savannah Music Festival, Sinisa Ciric is steward of one of the South’s premier cultural organizations. He stepped into the role in June 2025 after serving as general manager of the Savannah Philharmonic, where he continues to hold the honorary title of concertmaster emeritus. He has decades of experience as an arts executive and educator — and he is also an internationally recognized violinist. A native of Serbia, he is a founding member of the Balkan Quartet, sharing the musical traditions of Serbia and the Balkan Peninsula.
Ciric has been in Savannah for 15 years and loves the “rich musical scene, from classical concerts to vibrant jazz music, from churches and historic venues like the Lucas Theatre to local bars and Enmarket Arena,” he says. His home is a place where music reigns too, especially when he’s listening with his two younger children, ages 10 and 12. (He also has an adult son who lives in Washington.) Ciric’s wife, Maja, is equally creative; the couple are the co-founders of Klassikum, a boutique creative studio and consulting agency that helps nonprofits and cultural organizations grow.
How have you seen the music scene change since you first arrived in town? I truly believe that Savannah is the music city. The scene is so vibrant and diverse. I don’t know of many communities in the U.S. that have organizations like the Savannah Music Festival, Savannah Philharmonic, Savannah Jazz Festival, Savannah Music Collective, American Traditions Vocal Competition, VOICE Festival, Friends of Cathedral Music, Savannah Folk Music Society — there is literally something for everyone. There are quite a few live music venues around town, including Starland Yard and Victory North. I’m so glad that, throughout the years, each of these organizations managed to grow and get major support from individual donors as well as corporate and city support. That speaks volumes about the desire of this community to share their cultures, musical tastes, and values.
What part of town do you live in, and why did you choose that area? We live in the Sandfly/Isle of Hope area. While looking for a home, I explored different neighborhoods, and this one felt like a good fit. It turned out to be much more than that. Not only did we discover the charm of Sandfly and its local businesses, the magic of the Isle of Hope Bluff, and Wormsloe State Historic Site, but we also found the best people and neighbors one could imagine.
What are some of your hobbies when you are not hard at work on the Savannah Music Festival? I like fixing [things] around the house and doing little projects. I also like to throw a baseball with my son Luka; it’s quite a relaxing thing to do.
Where would you take your wife, Maja, on a date? We love an occasional day date at The Wyld Dock Bar and a relaxing weekend afternoon at Starland Yard. We also enjoy strolling and having lunch at The Collins Quarter at Forsyth and coffee at Café Taureau or Asher + Rye. The 5 Spot Sandfly and Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant are places we often visit with family and friends. For a special occasion, we love Common Restaurant, The Olde Pink House, Madame Butterfly, and cocktails at Artillery Bar.
Is there anywhere locally where one can engage with the Serbian culture that you would recommend? There is a large Serbian population in the U.S., but not many live in Savannah. We know several families from Serbia and enjoy spending time with them. Unfortunately, there are no Serbian restaurants or grocery stores in Savannah, though we can find a few items at Yia Yia’s Kitchen and Market Place. However, there are a few stores in Jacksonville and Atlanta, so we travel there to get the essentials.
That’s a sharp outfit you have on in your portrait! Where do you like to shop? Thank you! How I dress is important to me. I shop when I find something I like. Sometimes it’s online, since that’s most convenient, and sometimes it’s while traveling, especially in Europe. In Savannah, I mostly buy accessories like ties and socks.
Do you have a favorite natural space for a stroll? The White Bluff and Isle of Hope area, as well as Lake Mayer. I love both Forsyth and Daffin parks. We also enjoy going down River Street and taking quiet walks around the squares and downtown in general. My favorite square is the lesser-known Troup Square.
(Ciric earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Novi Sad in Serbia and completed his master’s and doctoral degrees in violin and viola performance at the University of Georgia.)
Do you enjoy watching UGA football games, and if so, what’s YOUR GO-TO game-day snack? I love college football and usually watch it on TV with my youngest son. Chips are definitely my favorite snack. GO DAWGS!
