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Colorado Music Festival names Aren Der Hacopian as executive director
ColoradoBiz Staff //July 23, 2026//
Aren Der Hacopian, Executive Director, Colorado Music Festival.
Aren Der Hacopian, Executive Director, Colorado Music Festival.
Colorado Music Festival names Aren Der Hacopian as executive director
ColoradoBiz Staff //July 23, 2026//
In Brief:
- Aren Der Hacopian named executive director effective Sept. 1
- Der Hacopian has 20 years in performing arts administration
- Previously held leadership roles at Seattle Opera since 2010
- Succeeds Elizabeth McGuire, who led since 2016
BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. — The Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Arts has named Aren Der Hacopian its executive director, effective Sept. 1.
Der Hacopian has more than 20 years of experience in performing arts administration, education and community programs. He has held leadership positions at Seattle Opera since 2010, overseeing artistic administration, production planning, employees and finances.
He previously managed Seattle Opera’s Young Artists Program beginning in 2007. From 2006 to 2007, he helped launch and operate Los Angeles Opera’s Domingo Thornton Young Artists Program.
“Over the past 20 years, Aren has worked closely with artists and artistic leadership to translate vision into high-impact results,” Music Director Peter Oundjian said. “With his background in building relationships with musicians, donors and community partners, I look forward to our collaboration.”
Der Hacopian said the organization’s combination of performances and music education attracted him to the position.
“This integrated model reflects how I believe musical institutions create lasting impact by connecting artistic excellence with lifelong learning and meaningful community engagement,” he said.
Der Hacopian earned a bachelor’s degree in music from California State University, Los Angeles and a master’s degree in voice and opera from the University of California, Los Angeles.
He will succeed Elizabeth McGuire, who has led the organization since 2016.
Founded in 1976, the Colorado Music Festival presents summer classical music concerts at Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder. The Center for Musical Arts, founded in 1995, serves more than 600 students each week through private lessons, ensembles, classes and community programs. The organizations merged in 2009.
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