“You play the piano like an orchestra. You think in terms of singers. You’re an opera conductor.”
These words from Margaret Harshaw set a young Patrick Summers on a path that led from Jacobs to the world’s greatest stages. With the Houston Grand Opera’s 2025–26 season coming to a close, we celebrate this JSOM alumnus as he concludes his extraordinary 27-year legacy as Artistic and Music Director!
A Washington, IN native, Maestro Summers' journey began at Jacobs at age 13 as a student of the legendary Menahem Pressler. Since then, he has become a global icon of the podium, leading over 20 world premieres and conducting at prestigious houses from the Met to Berlin.
As he transitions to Music Director Emeritus at HGO, we honor his storied career, his enduring ties to the MAC, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of artists.
Congratulations on a historic tenure, Maestro! We look forward to seeing you back home in Indiana soon.
Read more about Maestro Summers’ career at our link in bio.
