Carmel Bach Fest Names New Music Director

The Carmel Bach Festival has announced Paul Goodwin as its Music Director and Conductor. Goodwin, who succeeds Bruno Weill, is the fourth Music Director in the 73-year-old festival's history. Goodwin will be planning in spring 2010 for his 2011 inaugural festival. Although he has been based in London, he is currently a Principal Guest Conductor for the Kammerorchester Basel in Switzerland, and also a frequent conductor with many German radio orchestras. Previously, he was the Principal Guest Conductor of the English Chamber Orchestra for six years, collaborating with artists including Kiri Te Kanawa, Joshua Bell, Maria Joao Pires, Mstislas Rostropovich and Magdalena Kozen; he was also Associate Conductor of the Academy of Ancient Music for over 10 years.

Before devoting himself to conducting in 1996, he was recognized as one of the foremost oboe specialists in the world. "Energizing our audiences through transformational musical experiences and fresh imagination is our role in the 21st century, and we are confident we will do so under Paul, with fresh vigor and to new heights,'' Camille Kolles, the Festival's executive director, said in a statement announcing the appointment, which came after an extensive search. "Paul is the right choice to lead the Festival to new levels of atristry, musicianship and creativity, and to build upon Maestro Bruno Weil's achievements and the Festival's beloved history of inspired performances.''