Houston Grand Opera Appoints John Churchwell as Head of Music Staff
HOUSTON—August 26, 2026—Houston Grand Opera (HGO) is proud to announce John Churchwell as the company’s new Head of Music Staff. HGO has recruited Churchwell to this key artistic leadership position as part of its continued commitment to the highest standards of music-making. He joins the organization during a new era at the company, following the appointment of Music Director Designate James Gaffigan. Churchwell assumed his new role on August 24, 2026.
“As HGO continues to grow artistically, we are bringing together exceptional leaders who share ourambition to take this company to even greater musical heights,” says HGO General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor. “Whether at the piano, bringing his perspective as an accomplished arts leader, or offering incisive, thoughtful mentorship to young artists, John Churchwell has distinguished himself as one of the most gifted and respected colleagues in our field. We are thrilled that he will be helping to guide HGO’s musical future.”
Churchwell has built a career at the highest levels of American opera. He joins HGO from San Francisco Opera, where he served as Head of Music Staff for 14 years. Concurrent to his new position in Houston, he will continue to serve as Co-Director for the Lehrer Vocal Institute at Santa Barbara’s Music Academy of the West, a prestigious summer program for talented young artists pursuing careers in opera and classical music.
“I’m honored to be joining HGO at such an exciting moment in the company’s history,” says Churchwell. “Across the field, we have watched HGO continue to evolve and innovate—reaching new audiences, investing in exceptional artists, and pursuing an ambitious artistic vision. There is a tremendous sense of possibility in Houston, and the opportunity to contribute to this company’s future is incredibly meaningful to me. I’m eager to work alongside Khori Dastoor, James Gaffigan, and the entire HGO team, and to bring everything I have to the work ahead.”
During his career, Churchwell has contributed to more than 175 productions in collaboration with the field’s leading conductors, including HGO Music Director Emeritus Patrick Summers. Known as a champion of new and American works, he has played an important role in musical preparation for world premieres from major composers including John Adams, Jake Heggie, Philip Glass, and, most recently, Huang Ruo, as well as the West Coast premiere of Jennifer Higdon’s Cold Mountain.
An acclaimed pianist and sought-after recital partner, Churchwell has performed with renowned singers including Renée Fleming, Joyce DiDonato, Lawrence Brownlee, Sasha Cooke, and Isabel Leonard. He supports the next generation of artists through teaching and coaching engagements at opera companies, universities, and conservatories across North America.
Prior to his position as Head of Music Staff for San Francisco Opera, Churchwell served as an assistant conductor for both SFO and the Metropolitan Opera. A graduate of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program and the Merola Opera Program, he holds doctorate and master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota, as well as degrees in piano from New England Conservatory and French from Tufts University.