As Houston’s skies remain vibrant with the hues of artistic innovation, one shining star is gracefully transitioning from center stage. After more than 25 years of conducting, mentoring, and shaping Houston Grand Opera (HGO) into a world-class institution, Patrick Summers, the beloved Artistic and Music Director, will be stepping down in the spring of 2026. Summers will transition into his new role as Music Director Emeritus, a title that speaks to both his enduring legacy and the bright future still ahead.

A Maestro’s Grand Journey

Summers joined HGO in 1998 as Music Director, recruited by then-General Director David Gockley. Since then, Summers has not just conducted the HGO Orchestra—he has nurtured it into an international powerhouse. Under his baton, the company has premiered groundbreaking works, introduced fresh talents to the world, and raised the bar for operatic excellence in America. In 2011, Summers took on the dual role of Artistic Director, a rarity in the opera world, further cementing his influence on HGO’s artistic direction.

"Patrick Summers’s impact on this company, and opera as an American art form, is awe-inspiring," said HGO’s General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor. "He’s been a visionary, a mentor, and an incredible partner. His legacy will be felt in every note the HGO Orchestra plays."

With Dastoor at the helm of HGO’s administration, the baton will soon pass to a new music director, but Summers's fingerprints will remain on every corner of the company. As he transitions to Music Director Emeritus, Summers will continue to advise and inspire, ensuring that HGO’s artistic direction remains vibrant and future-focused.

Floyd Summers/credit Courtesy HGO 

 

A Legacy Written in Sound

Summers’s tenure has been one of artistic daring and innovation. From Wagner’s colossal *Ring Cycle* to world premieres like Jake Heggie’s *It’s a Wonderful Life*, Summers has made sure HGO’s repertoire is as varied as it is vital. “He has the rare and magical gift of understanding a composer’s intention,” said Heggie, whose long collaboration with Summers spans decades. “His passion has inspired countless musicians and composers, creating unforgettable moments in opera.”

Summers's relationship with composers like Heggie, Tod Machover, and Carlisle Floyd has been pivotal in bringing American opera to the forefront. The operatic works that Summers has conducted over the years, including *Dead Man Walking*, *The Phoenix*, and *The Snowy Day*, have not only entertained but also challenged and expanded the very boundaries of the art form.

“Patrick’s artistry is unmatched,” said renowned soprano Renée Fleming, who has worked with Summers across numerous performances. “He elevates everyone on stage, from the musicians in the pit to the performers under the spotlight.”

A Vision for the Future

As Summers prepares for his final season as Artistic and Music Director in 2025-26, opera lovers will have the chance to experience his genius in two monumental productions: Verdi’s *Il Trovatore* and Missy Mazzoli’s *Breaking the Waves*. These performances will not only celebrate Summers's contribution to HGO but also serve as a high note in his illustrious career.

And while the maestro may be stepping away from his dual leadership roles, his presence will continue to shape HGO’s future. His new role as Music Director Emeritus will see him conducting as a guest, offering invaluable advice, and continuing his work as an advocate for American opera. Summers will also remain active in nurturing young talent through his co-leadership of the Aspen Music Festival and School’s Opera Theater and VocalARTS program and his teaching at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music.

Lynn Lane/credit HGO

As Summers transitions into his emeritus role, HGO is embarking on an international search for the next Artistic and Music Director who will be charged with carrying the company’s artistic vision forward. "We’re seeking a dynamic leader with the ambition and creativity to guide us into the future," said Dastoor. “Houston Grand Opera is ready for its next chapter, but we are so grateful that Patrick will remain an integral part of our story.”

As HGO looks forward to a new era, Summers’s influence will remain a cornerstone of the company’s artistic fabric. His legacy is not only in the notes played by the orchestra but in the young artists, the groundbreaking performances, and the loyal audiences he has inspired along the way.

 Daniel Oritz/credit HGO  

A Grateful Goodbye—But Not Farewell

Houston has been fortunate to witness Summers’s brilliance firsthand. From his early days as a rising star conductor to his final season as a guiding force for one of the country’s most prestigious opera companies, Summers’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the city and the art form he loves.

“I am enormously grateful for the honor of leading this treasured orchestra and making art with our resident ensembles,” Summers reflected. “Houston Grand Opera is a blessed place, and it has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve.”

Indeed, for Patrick Summers, while the curtain may fall on this chapter, his encore as Music Director Emeritus promises that his artistry, mentorship, and vision will continue to resonate in Houston and beyond.

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