Houston’s premier opera company, Houston Grand Opera , welcomes a new creative leader in conductor James Gaffigan , who will step into the role of music director after the departure of longtime Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers after the 2025-2026 season.

Gaffigan has many ties to Houston — he received his master’s degree from Rice University and has visited for a number of guest conducting jobs with the Houston Symphony and Houston Grand Opera (HGO). He is currently leading this year’s HGO production of Porgy & Bess .

Reflecting on his first experiences in the city, Gaffigan says Houston made quite the impression:

“I fell in love with Houston back when I was 21 years old … it was so different to anything I’d ever experienced in the United States,” he said.

Alana Campbe

See Full Page