Ana Papakhian

A professionally dressed grey-haired female is smiling at the camera.
Executive Director, Camerata Pacifica

About Ana

Ana Papakhian (IAC/NMC 85, IAA 85-86) joined Camerata Pacifica as Executive Director in 2023, a pinnacle benchmark advancing her career in the classical music business. Camerata Pacifica is a vibrant chamber music non-profit founded by Artistic Director Adrian Spence in 1990 in Santa Barbara, California. An ensemble of the world’s finest and most personable international artists, Camerata Pacifica presents:

  • unique concerts
  • creatively commissioned premiere works
  • audience travel experiences, and
  • accessible high-definition performances via The Nightingale Channel, an
    extensive video resources for hospitals and more.

An Armenian-American born in Detroit and raised in Bloomington, Indiana, Ana fell in love with music as an elementary student in the children’s choir, piano lessons with her father, as a violinist in middle school orchestra, and in private voice lessons and multiple choirs. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in vocal performance at the Indiana University School of Music.

Ana’s major career highlights include tenures as the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Music Academy of the West and Director of Communications for The Cleveland Orchestra and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. She began her professional life singing with the New Orleans Opera, then launched her administrative work in New York City where she joined the staff of the Piatigorsky Foundation, and subsequently served as Personal Assistant to legendary opera singer Marilyn Horne, who became her inspirational mentor.

An active volunteer, Ana is President of the Engagement Council for her high school and summer camp alma mater, the Interlochen Center for the Arts, a board member of the Association for Women in Communications, Santa Barbara, and recently served as a member of her local Behavioral Wellness Commission. She is grateful for the support of her husband, pianist Dr. Robert Cassidy, the Artistic Director of the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series, and their two daughters.

Interlochen is a place that not only sparks creativity, it sets it on fire! I'm drawn to volunteer on the Engagement Council because I find it richly rewarding to be back on campus and to connect with alumni and staff of all generations. As we anticipate the centennial in 2028, we have the opportunity to share the guiding light the arts can have on the world by sharing the stories of those who have been inspired here.