Role

:

Conductor  

Birth

:

in Loogootee, IN

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Patrick Summers is a renowned American conductor and artistic director, known for his exceptional contributions to the world of classical music. Born on January 29, 1964, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Summers grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His mother was a pianist, and his father was a professor of music at the University of Oklahoma. Summers began his musical journey at a young age, learning to play the piano and the French horn. He attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in French horn performance. He then went on to study conducting at the University of Houston, where he received a Master of Music degree. Summers' career as a conductor began in 1989 when he was appointed as the assistant conductor of the Houston Grand Opera. He quickly rose through the ranks and was named the company's music director in 1998. During his tenure, Summers conducted numerous productions, including the world premiere of Mark Adamo's "Little Women" and the American premiere of Tan Dun's "The First Emperor." In addition to his work with the Houston Grand Opera, Summers has conducted at some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. He has also worked with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. One of Summers' most notable achievements was his work on the 2013 production of Richard Wagner's "Ring Cycle" at the Houston Grand Opera. The production, which was directed by renowned theater director Robert Wilson, received critical acclaim and was hailed as one of the most innovative and visually stunning productions of the opera in recent years. Summers has also been recognized for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 2003, he was awarded the Richard Tucker Award, which is given annually to an American opera singer who is on the verge of a major international career. He has also been awarded the Houston Grand Opera's Lynn Wyatt Great Artist Award and the Texas Medal of Arts. In addition to his work as a conductor, Summers is also an advocate for music education. He has served as a guest lecturer at numerous universities and has worked with young musicians through programs such as the Houston Grand Opera's High School Voice Studio and the Aspen Music Festival's Opera Center. Summers' dedication to the arts and his exceptional talent as a conductor have made him one of the most respected figures in the world of classical music. His contributions to the Houston Grand Opera and the wider world of opera and classical music have been immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and music lovers.

More....