IN THEIR WORDS

“Since Patrick’s arrival at HGO in 1998, I have had the pleasure of calling him a friend. His warmth, creativity, and extraordinary talent have left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. I was honored to witness his remarkable leadership as the Margaret Alkek Williams Chair for 11 years, during which his vision and dedication shaped the company’s artistic legacy.” —Margaret Alkek Williams 

Margaret Alkek Williams and Summers 

Drs. Jack Roth and Liz Grimm

“Music has always been an important part of my life. When I moved to Houston, I was thrilled to experience the exceptional productions of HGO. Then the company, under Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers, achieved new heights. Patrick developed the orchestra into a first-rate ensemble capable of performing the most demanding scores such as Wagner. I will remember many performances conducted by Patrick including a powerful Ring cycle, a Tristan und Isolde with Nina Stemme, recent moving performances of Il trovatore and Breaking the Waves, and many more. Conversations with Patrick are always enlightening and entertaining. We are fortunate that Patrick is staying on in an Emeritus position and wish him success in the next act of his career.” —Jack Roth

“Patrick is a musical and literary prince. He generously shares his knowledge through his frequent and fascinating essays. I’m fortunate to have known him over a quarter of a century, since he joined the HGO family in 1998. His work with David Gockley, Anthony Freud, and, more recently, Khori Dastoor has immeasurably enhanced the stellar reputation of HGO. Not only is Patrick a musical prince but he is also a prince of a friend. He and his brothers graced my home in Nantucket during a significant birthday celebration for Patrick. That visit made my Nantucket home a worthy shrine to Prince Patrick.” —Franci Neely

Stephen Wadsworth, Patrick Summers, Franci Neely

Dian and Harlan Stai

“I met Patrick at a luncheon in his honor at Jackson Hicks’s restaurant during Patrick’s first week in Houston. It was a pleasure meeting him, and our relationship has remained a pleasurable one ever since. Patrick frequently comes to our Mansefeldt Ranch for a few days of rest and rejuvenation. Dian and I enjoy his visits, and we have always enjoyed seeing him at HGO in Houston. We look forward to many more years of his company.” —Harlan and Dian Stai

“Dear Patrick, you have been the guiding light for Houston Grand Opera since your arrival here. David saw a brilliant musical future for you, and knew what an inspiration you would be for our company. It has been my great honor to know you, and to partner with you in our love and support for HGO.” —Terrylin G. Neale

Terrylin G. Neale and Summers

Penny Wright, Jane Cizik

“How to describe Patrick Summers? Words cannot do him justice, but I will try. He is a man in full: The most gentle, warm, delightful human being able to make music accessible to all of us fortunate enough to know him, whether as a musician on the podium or as an accomplished pianist. I will never forget when he came to my home twice to play the piano for an audience of one on my Steinway. He made the music soar to the rafters. And Patrick’s ability with words is phenomenal. He wrote many essays about composers in history, as well as well-known opera artists. He knew them all, researching endlessly for his subjects. I wish him well for the future, and hope he will remember us in Houston. He will always be in our hearts as the best of musicians, and the most loved of artists.” —Jane Cizik

“Patrick is a man of big ideas—not just his impact in new works, but also his unyielding belief in the importance of American opera. He is a mastermind of the intricacies of every aspect of the art form, from placing notes on a page to putting a season together that would be artistically challenging, yet broadly entertaining and commercially doable. He is a man of courage—standing up to external challenges like Hurricane Harvey and the internal challenges that are characteristic of probably all arts organizations. He is steadfastly a creator, not just in music but prose—from analytical dissections to the expression of ideas, seemingly spun from the air. Finally, his reputation alone will continue to lift HGO in the eyes of important commentators around the world. Our blessing is that we still have him, and we can only imagine what he might do next.” —Jim Crownover

Khori Dastoor, Molly and Jim Crownover, Summers

Ellen Gritz, Terrylin G. Neale, Summers, Tonya McKinny, Laura McWilliams

“Maestro Extraordinaire: One of Patrick’s favorite terms is ‘extraordinary,’ and how fitting it is to pay tribute to him with this very special word! In every way, Patrick is EXTRAORDINARY: As HGO Artistic and Music Director, he thrilled us with his artistic selection and conducting, always! Patrick has created seasons before our very eyes—even as we tried to experiment with our own fantasy seasons, his wisdom led us into the intricacies of this delicate construction. As dramaturg without peer, he gave the best Opera Unwrapped presentations I have ever heard, filled with brilliant observations, totally unlikely parallels, and similarities between wildly different works and time periods, and great visuals and musical excerpts. Who could imagine hearing 10 or 20 different conductors doing the opening of the Tannhäuser overture and then explaining the differences to an astounded and admiring audience, while teaching us the basics of conducting? As an author—of essays, novels, poetry and non-fiction, all fascinating—he exhibited yet another dimension of terrific talent. Finally, and at the very top—as a warm, kind, and utterly delightful person! Patrick, here’s to you. We can’t thank you enough for what you have shared with us at HGO over so many years!” —Ellen R. Gritz, Ph.D. 

“Patrick will always be known for his music, but his words too are worthy of celebration—whether in conversation (always engaging and engaged) or essays (pointed and personal) and now in a novel imagining Mozart had lived to a ripe old age. Many thanks Patrick for your music and your words.” —Morris Gelb

Amanda and Morris Gelb

Summers and Astley Blair

“Patrick has been the artistic heartbeat of Houston Grand Opera for over two decades, shaping its sound and spirit with brilliance, integrity, and vision. As Artistic and Music Director, his leadership has elevated HGO to international acclaim, nurturing artists and premiering bold new works with unwavering passion. Patrick’s deep musical insight and amazing storytelling acumen has left an indelible legacy—one that will resonate far beyond the stage. I am in awe of his extraordinary contributions and celebrate his legacy with gratitude, admiration, and profound respect.” —Astley Blair, Board Chair

"It has been such an honor to know you and work with you for the last decade. I can still remember when Joe and I first met you—we were so impressed with your deep knowledge and artistry. What a great ride it has been for us all! I will always remember your brilliance behind the podium, and of course partnering with you as we brought in Khori to lead the organization to greater heights. I attribute much of the success of HGO during my chairmanship to your work behind the scenes in trusting the Board and embracing the changes being made. Your leadership has made an indelible mark on HGO. Your ability to hear talent and understand how it could develop has absolutely improved the quality of the orchestra and the level of singers at the company. And identifying talent like Joel Thompson will absolutely affect the way the world perceives HGO. I am now halfway through your new book and enjoying it immensely—such fun to imagine what could have happened if Mozart had lived a long life! Your creativity in this book and your short essays is just another sign of your artistic brilliance. I am happy that you will be continuing with HGO in your Music Director Emeritus position. Here’s to your legacy as the longest-serving Artistic and Music Director at Houston Grand Opera." —Claire Liu

Claire Liu, Summers, Joe Greenberg