The New York Times Shines a Spotlight on HGO Thriving Thanks to Creative Leadership, Generous Donors, and Innovation

As bassist Dennis Whittaker, a beloved member of the HGO Orchestra, told New York Times classical music critic Zachary Woolfe for his wonderful new feature on HGO, “A lot of the time you don’t really recognize the good times when they’re happening. But this is a good time.” 

Many in our city, and fans of our art form from throughout the world, know how right he is—it is a good time at HGO. An extraordinary time, in fact. “This company is creating world-class opera of the highest level, powered by decades of excellence and fueled by the passion of a city that believes in the power of art,” says HGO General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor. 

“Every day, we put everything we have into our mission of staging incredible grand opera, performed by the finest artists in our international field, for the vibrant, diverse place we call home,” Dastoor continues. “We were honored to welcome Zack Woolfe to the Wortham Theater Center and share the brilliant artistry that is thriving here in downtown Houston. We’re grateful to the New York Times for helping amplify our story on a global stage.” 

Woolfe’s article points to HGO’s bold artistic choices, tracing them from the company’s repertoire for spring 2025—a pairing of Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek’s Breaking the Waves and Wagner’s Tannhäuser—back to the Wortham’s 1987 opening featuring Verdi’s Aida and the world premiere of John Adam’s Nixon in China; to the very beginning, with the company’s “daring” selection of Strauss’s Salome for its first production, in 1955. It also highlights the mix of classics and “riskier fare” to come next season, reflecting a company that embraces both legacy and innovation.  

The piece credits Dastoor’s vision for growing HGO and expanding its work throughout the Houston community—as well as her facility for fundraising and the company’s “unusually committed” donors—as reasons why “now, at 70, it continues to be a model for the field.” 

Make sure to give the full article a read and—of course—join us at the Wortham!