Head of School Ryan S. Dahlem announced this week that, following a national search that drew a robust pool of candidates from across the country, Javier Caballero has been named executive director of performing arts at Rivers, beginning on August 1. In this newly created role, Caballero will be responsible for strategic vision and administrative oversight of The Rivers School Conservatory (RSC) and the Performing Arts Department at The Rivers School, including its signature Conservatory Program. This overarching leadership model will strengthen the relationship between RSC and The Rivers School to create a unified vision of performing arts on the Rivers campus.“We were looking for a multidimensional candidate with an extensive background as a trained musician, strong arts administration experience, exceptional relationship-building skills, and the ability to inspire our outstanding faculty and students,” said Dahlem. “We were delighted to find all of these qualities in Javier Caballero, whose experience as a highly successful performer, teacher, leader, and administrator are a strong match for our future aspirations.”
Caballero, who holds graduate degrees in cello performance from the Boston Conservatory and undergraduate degrees in music education and cello performance from the University of South Florida, is a seasoned performer with a strong professional network throughout New England. Caballero currently serves as the executive director of the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music in New Hampshire, where he strives to create a welcoming, inclusive community for chamber music players at all levels and from all backgrounds. Before taking on the Apple Hill role, Caballero was artistic director of Project STEP, a string training program for students from communities underrepresented in classical music. He also served as scholarship and recruitment manager for From The Top, the NPR showcase for young classically trained musicians.
Born in Puerto Rico, Caballero moved to Florida with his family at the age of 9 and took up the cello in eighth grade. He has spent many years teaching and performing in the Boston area and beyond.
“During the interview process, Javier impressed us with his passion as an artist, his commitment to excellence as an educator, and his vision as a leader,” said Dahlem. “We’re excited to see where he takes performing arts at Rivers and look forward to the creativity and innovation he will inspire through his leadership.”
For his part, Caballero is thrilled to have the opportunity to oversee the next chapter of The Rivers School’s performing arts program and the RSC. “From my very first encounters with Rivers, I have been impressed and inspired by the vibrant sense of community amongst the students, faculty, and staff and their deep commitment to artistic and educational excellence,” he said. “I feel honored to build on RSC’s 50-year legacy alongside the outstanding educators and visionary leadership at The Rivers School.”
The RSC, a thriving community music school serving approximately 1,000 students in the greater Boston area, is marking its 50th anniversary in 2025. The Rivers School, founded in 1915, is an independent day school serving 525 students from throughout the region. The school is currently developing a new strategic plan, making this an exciting and auspicious time for Caballero to step into the role of executive director of performing arts.