James Gaffigan named Music Director of Houston Grand Opera

HOUSTON—November 6, 2025—Houston Grand Opera (HGO) today announces the appointment of American conductor James Gaffigan as the fifth Music Director in the company's 70-year history. As reported in the New York Times, Gaffigan will lead the company alongside General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor, advancing HGO's commitment to sharing world-class artistic excellence with audiences in Houston and across the globe. Beginning his term as Music Director Designate in the 2026-27 season, Gaffigan will assume the role of Music Director in the 2027-28 season.

A rarity among American conductors for his rise to prominence in the esteemed houses and concert halls of Europe, Gaffigan is in demand at opera companies and symphony orchestras across the world. Since 2023, he has served as the General Music Director of Komische Oper Berlin. He also serves as Music Director of the Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra. In August 2025, Gaffigan completed his fourth and final season as Music Director of the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía in Valencia, Spain.

Originally from New York, Gaffigan holds close ties to Houston, having earned his master's degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. He made his HGO debut—and American operatic debut—in 2011, with the company's production of The Marriage of Figaro. He returned earlier this year to lead the first-ever performance by the HGO Orchestra at the annual Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers Concert of Arias.

"To welcome James Gaffigan back to Houston, and to HGO, as our new Music Director represents the fulfillment of an ambitious dream," says Dastoor. "This fall, Houston audiences have had the incredible opportunity to witness his passion, electric energy, and mind-blowing artistry at the podium. I am overjoyed that today's leading American conductor—who embodies a new generation of music-making at the highest level—has chosen to invest fully in this company."

"I always knew that the first post I would take in the United States as Music Director had to be the perfect fit," says Gaffigan. "All the boxes needed to be ticked. As I considered which institution, which city, and which community aligned with my dreams and goals for an American institution, I found HGO to be my ideal partner. In my opinion, HGO is the most exciting opera company in the United States."