Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia
What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes?
The incredible work performed by our facilities team. Many people don’t consider the massive effort required to beautify our 81 acres and preserve our historic home, the Rosen House. Our facilities crew are the behind-the-scenes superstars of the Caramoor experience and they don’t get thanked enough for their efforts!
What’s something you’ve gotten better at every year?
Breaking down genre barriers. We have moved far beyond just being a “classical music venue.” Every year, we get better at weaving together jazz, American Roots, global music and sound art installations. We’ve become adept at curating seasons where a string quartet fits just as naturally as a bluegrass jam or a sonic art sculpture in the woods.
What’s something you do that seems small but makes a huge difference?
Leaving the gates open: Caramoor is open to the public free of charge seven days a week from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Allowing the public to access the grounds for sound art exploration or picnics during the day changes the relationship people have with the space. It shifts us towards being a true community park and sanctuary.
Describe your business in three words.
Music. Arts. Nature.
What’s your business’s unofficial motto?
“Rain or Shine.” It’s the mantra of outdoor performances. The show must go on, and usually, the stormy concerts end up being the most memorable ones.
What’s the funniest customer request you’ve ever received?
“Can you please turn down the cicadas?”
What’s your dream customer reaction?
“Where am I?” Followed immediately by a visible deep exhale as they walk through the grounds. We love being the “best-kept secret” that people finally discover…but we love it even more when those discoverers come back and bring their friends!
What’s the smallest detail your customers notice — or that you hope they notice?
The Sound Art in the woods. We hope they notice the subtle, artistic noises hidden in the trees as they explore the grounds. It’s meant as a sonic amuse bouche to prepare the ears for a musical feast.
What’s the one thing your business couldn’t function without?
Our volunteers and docents. They greet guests, usher concerts and keep the spirit of the Rosens alive. We simply could not open our gates without their passion.
What is something you wish more people knew about you and/or your business?
We are open year-round! We have many different kinds of music! We have affordable tickets! We are a nonprofit! (Is that too many?). So many people think of us only for the summer season, but the Music Room at the Rosen House hosts intimate, incredible indoor concerts and events throughout the fall, winter and spring, and the grounds are beautiful in every season.
Address: 149 Girdle Ridge Rd, Katonah, NY 10536
Phone number: (914) 232-1252
Website: caramoor.org
This article was published in the January/February 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2026 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Isabella Aranda is a designer, writer and social media specialist with an M.A. in emerging media from the New Media Institute at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. Driven by curiosity and inspired by timeless modern design, she blends creativity and strategy to craft compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences.
Her expertise spans digital marketing, content creation and UX design, with notable achievements such as co-creating the Georgia On Your Mind podcast and leading digital campaigns that significantly boosted engagement. A Venezuelan immigrant, Isabella brings a multicultural perspective to her work, enhancing her ability to connect with and inspire others.
