Houston Grand Opera News

The Board of Directors of Dallas Black Dance Theatre have announced the appointment of Richard A. Freeman, Jr. as Artistic Director. Learn more about him here!

What did our critic think of IL TRITTICO at Houston Grand Opera?

As Houston performing arts ventures grow for the 2025-26 season, Houston Grand Opera surpasses them all with a thrilling 50th anniversary production of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. Starring powerhouse performers Angel Blue and Michael Sumuel in the title roles, this theatrical staging further cements HGO's monolithic presence not only in Houston but in the world of opera at large.

Houston Grand Opera has released additional tickets for the company's second annual Family Day, a special presentation of Humperdinck's enchanting Hansel and Gretel. Learn more!

The Carlisle Floyd Centennial (CF100) will present a landmark concert at Carnegie Hall to honor the 100th birthday of composer Carlisle Floyd. Learn more here!

Houston Grand Opera (HGO) will launch its 2025–26 season with The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, beginning October 24 at the Wortham Theater Center. The production is directed by Francesca Zambello.

The International Opera Awards has announced the shortlist for this year’s Awards. Finalists for this year’s Awards represent more than 25 countries from five continents, showcasing the truly international spirit of opera.

When the iconic ‘Prologue’ begins to simmer, the gang of Jets loitering about the stage in Jessica Jahn’s contemporary streetwear, bedecked in tattoos and bomber jackets may immediately perturb any purists in the audience.

Zach Theater has revealed two new leaders for its advanced training programs. Learn more about the new leadership and the changes being made to the organization here!

Young Texas Artists is launching its 2025-26 performing arts season, including a kickoff party with special musical guests, the 41st annual Young Texas Artists Music Competition. Learn more!

Porgy and Bess is a famous 'folk opera' created by George Gershwin, with a libretto by DuBose Heyward and lyrics by DuBose and Ira Gershwin. The work chronicles the life of a Black community on Catfish Row in Charleston and is known for its fusion of operatic elements with American folk music, jazz, and blues. The story focuses on the love between Porgy, a disabled beggar, and Bess, a woman seeking a better life.

​The Philadelphia Orchestra has added two musicians to the brass section, Victoria Knudtson, assistant principal/utility horn, and Samuel Huss, 4th/utility trumpet, in the 2025–26 season. Learn more!

Playing this character has been so, so fun, mainly because we're sort of reinventing him, me and Joe Calarco, who's our incredible director.

Houston Grand Opera (HGO) will present Music-Stories-OPERA!, a free program for students and families, daily from Tuesday through Thursday, September 23 through 25, at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

The Sarah and Ernest Butler Houston Grand Opera Studio will present the annual Butler Studio Showcase in the Cullen Theater at the Wortham Theater Center. Learn more!

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, American Lyric Theater is proud to announce Celebrating 20 Years of American Lyric Theater, a gala performance on October 23, 2025.

Dramatists Guild Foundation has revealed Playwright and Educator Chisa Hutchinson and more will be honored at the organization’s annual Gala on October 20, 2025, at Ziegfeld Ballroom. Learn more!

OPERA America has revealed the recipients of the 2025 National Opera Trustee Recognition Awards, which honor outstanding trustees of North American opera companies. Learn more!

Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company will present the US premiere of Framing Ménerbes: Film Screening and Reception. Learn more and see how to attend the event here!

​​​​​​​Jake Heggie will join SFCM's composition faculty in Fall, 2025. Heggie is well known for creating ten operas during his long career including, Moby Dick, Great Scott, and Dead Man Walking.