Classical Music News

Houston Symphony Extends Music Director's Contract to 2026

October 6, 2023

2 MIN READ

Slovakian conductor Juraj Valčuha is about to begin his second season in Houston

At the conclusion of his first year in the post, conductor Juraj Valčuha has been offered a contract extension at the Houston Symphony — which will see him retain his position through to the end of the 2025/26 season.

Valčuha succeeded outgoing conductor Andrés Orozco-Estrada, who had held the position for seven years, to become the orchestra's fifth Music Director.

At the time, Valčuha was especially praised by the orchestra's Board President John Rydman for his "desire to foster the connection between our musicians and the surrounding communities" — which fitted with the orchestra's wider strategic goal of becoming accessible to a wider audience.

Prior to his arrival in Houston, Valčuha was the Music Director of the Teatro San Carlo in Naples between 2016 and 2022, as well as the First Guest Conductor of the Konzerthausorchester Berlin. From 2009 to 2016 he was Chief Conductor of the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della Rai.

"We're thrilled to announce that Music Director and Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair Juraj Valčuha has extended his contract with the Houston Symphony through the 2025–26 Season!" the orchestra wrote in a statement. "Starting in the 2022–23 Season, Juraj Valčuha assumed the role of Music Director for the Houston Symphony, previously having guest conducted for the first time in 2011."

"Renowned for his innovative approach to programming, Valčuha’s tenure is marked by thematic programming and annual semi-staged opera productions, which enthrall audiences with immersive and captivating experiences within the realm of classical music."