Houston Grand Opera has announced that Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers is transitioning to a new role in the organization.

Summers, who has been at the helm for over 25 years with the company, will step away from his current position in Spring 2026 and become Music Director Emeritus, where he will serve as an advisor, scholar, and guest conductor while maintaining close relationships with company members and supporters.

“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,” Summers noted. “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.”

“Patrick Summers’s impact on this company, and opera as an American art form, is awe-inspiring,” said HGO General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor in an official press release. “He has worked closely with leading composers to introduce groundbreaking new works, mentored some of the most prominent names in opera, and guided the HGO Orchestra from its infancy into the exceptional ensemble it is today. Maestro Summers has always been a forward-looking leader. He’s also been such a gracious and supportive partner to me as we’ve ushered in a new era at this company. My gratitude to him is immeasurable. I am delighted he will be continuing as my trusted colleague.”

In 2024-25, Summer will lead productions of “Il Trovatore” and the regional premiere of “Breaking the Waves,” the 89th and 90th productions he leads with the company, respectively.