James Gaffigan

Houston Grand Opera (HGO) today announced the appointment of 46-year-old American conductor James Gaffigan as the fifth Music Director in the company’s 70-year history.

Gaffigan will lead the company alongside General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor. Beginning his term as Music Director Designate in the 2026-27 season, Gaffigan will assume the role of Music Director in the 2027-28 season.

Since 2023, Gaffigan has served as the General Music Director of Komische Oper Berlin. He also serves as Music Director of the Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra. In August 2025, Gaffigan completed his fourth and final season as Music Director of the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía in Valencia, Spain.