Plano Symphony Music Director Héctor Guzmán Steps Down

Guzmán has held the role for more than forty years

As part of the announcement, Mexican conductor Héctor Guzmán presented a five-year succession plan for the Plano Symphony Orchestra (PSO), which will see him transition to a Music Director Emeritus role in the 2027/28 season.

Alongside his position with the PSO, Guzmán is Music Director of the Irving Symphony and the San Angelo Symphony. For a time, he was also the Music Director of the Jalisco Philharmonic in Mexico, a position he received upon winning the Seven Conductors-One Baton conducting competition.

Guzmán has maintained a close relationship with Mexico as a guest conductor and has appeared with all of the major orchestras there. In addition, he has led American orchestras, including the San Antonio, Dallas, Wheeling, and Phoenix symphonies and the Chicago Sinfonietta.

He holds degrees in conducting from the Conservatory in Mexico City, the University of North Texas, and Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

"Music making has been the greatest joy of my life," Guzmán said. "My decision comes at a time in my life when I feel emotionally, physically, and musically at the highest point in my career and therefore, the perfect time to let someone else continue this wonderful legacy."

"We are indebted to Héctor for his 40 years as our beloved Music Director," said Brenda Mills, the President of the PSO Board. "In many ways, the PSO is Héctor Guzmán, and we are so much richer and better because of him and his extraordinary talent. We are indebted to Héctor for laying out a five-year transition plan that will allow us the necessary time to carefully execute the search process on behalf of the PSO, our musicians, and our community."

"Maestro Guzmán and the Plano Symphony Orchestra are synonymous," said Gregory Patterson, the PSO's Executive Director. "A search for a new Music Director of a major regional orchestra can be daunting task for some, yet Maestro Guzmán has thoughtfully laid out a transition plan that allows this wonderful orchestra to continue its association with him as he transitions to Music Director Emeritus. We are excited for Maestro Guzmán and the PSO’s future."