US opera chief steps down

It has been announced tonight that Patrick Summers will step down as Artistic and Music Director at Houston Grand Opera in the spring of 2026.

He has been in the post for 23 years.

He said: ‘Since David Gockley first spoke to me almost three decades ago about coming to HGO, when I was a shy and ambitious young conductor in my thirties, to this current moment of Khori Dastoor’s early tenure, during which I will bring my long service as music director to a close, I can only say that it has been the privilege of a lifetime to be a part of this extraordinary company. Houston Grand Opera is a blessed place, and I am enormously grateful for the long honor of leading our own treasured orchestra and making art with both our resident ensembles, who are our heart and soul, while guiding the artistic direction of this great company. That my tenure stretches from David to Khori will always mean the world to me. I thank everyone so deeply.’

Summers, 61, has also been principal guest conductor at San Francisco Opera, 1999–2016.