Caramoor Center Names New Director

KATONAH, N.Y.— Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts announced Tuesday that Jeffrey P. Haydon has been appointed its new chief executive officer, effective Sept. 17.

Haydon, who currently holds the position of executive director of the Ojai Music Festival, in Ojai, California, succeeds Michael Barrett, who has been Caramoor’s chief executive and general director since 2003.

In his ten years at the center in Katonah, Barrett has overseen the expansion of Caramoor’s educational outreach program, including the Bel Canto Young Artists opera training program.

Barrett was also instrumental in the launch of a number of acclaimed series including Sonidos Latinos ? now in its fifth year— the two-years running American Roots Music Festival, and new this summer "Gospel According to Caramoor." He will return to the center in 2013 as a pianist, mentor and conductor, according to a statement from Caramoor.

Meanwhile, Barrett’s successor said he is extremely excited about his new position at the center. “Caramoor is unique in the world and the opportunity to lead it is irresistible,” said Haydon.

As head of Ojai since 2003, Haydon doubled the festival's budget and helped triple the number of artistic and educational programs produced there, according to the statement from Caramoor. He also spearheaded the effort to raise over $4 million to rebuild Ojai’s 1,000-seat Libbey Bowl.

During his time with Ojai, Haydon also expanded the three-day festival to four days and added more opportunities for audiences to interact with artists.

Haydon previously held positions with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and Aspen Music Festival and has worked with the Baltimore Symphony, Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Seattle Symphony. Haydon has also managed the Cultural Events performing arts series in Tacoma, Washington.  

“[Haydon] has played a key role forging strong relationships with the audience, volunteers and the community, and has been a steadfast partner in developing and expanding the Ojai Music Festival,” said his colleague, Ojai Artistic Director Thomas W. Morris, according to the release.

Board Chairman James A. Attwood, Jr. said Caramoor’s search committee and the board of trustees put in a lot of hard work to find the right person to succeed Barrett, according to Tuesday's statement. Attwood said the staff of Caramoor looks forward to working with their new director as the organization works to expand its audience and programming. 

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