The Houston Grand Opera has announced that conductor Christophe Rousset has withdrawn from the company’s premiere of “La Favorite” due to personal reasons. 

In his stead, Houston Grand Opera Artistic and Musical Director Patrick Summers will take over, leading all five performances of the run. The production kicks off on Jan. 24 and runs through Feb. 9, 2020.

It will be directed by Kevin Newbury and will feature Jamie Barton in the lead role of Leonor. Tenor Lawrence Brownlee will take on the role of Fernand and baritone Jacques Imbrailo will also headline as Alphonse XI. Other other cast members include Federico de Michelis, Christopher Bozeka, and Elena Villalón. 

In addition to “La Favorite,” Summers is set to take on productions of “The Sunny Day,” “Werther,” and “Parsifal” during the 2020-21 season.