Meet the artistic
director
Gregory D. McDaniel
artistic director
Gregory D. McDaniel was recently appointed Artistic Director of the Houston Ebony Opera Guild, where he curated and led the HEOG Chorus in its annual Christmas concert, A Journey to Bethlehem. He began the 2025–2026 season conducting the New Jersey Symphony in their outreach concert Moonrise, featuring works by Puccini, Johann Strauss, John Williams, and others. Mr. McDaniel also served on the music staff as Assistant Director of the Ensemble for Houston Grand Opera’s season opener, Porgy and Bess, and was Music Director for the Alley Theatre’s annual production of A Christmas Carol. During the 2024–2025 season, in addition to receiving the Colton Conducting Fellowship with the New Jersey Symphony, he worked with Opera in the Heights as cover conductor and chorus master for Lucia di Lammermoor. This season with Opera in the Heights, Mr. McDaniel will make his official debut as conductor for the Houston premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s opera Lucidity. He previously conducted the Houston premiere of Kaminsky’s As One for HOPERA. Past seasons have included performances of William Grant Still’s Highway 1, USA, and Missy Mazzoli’s Proving Up with Opera Ithaca. Mr. McDaniel holds degrees from the University of North Texas and the University of Houston.
FRIENDS OF HEOG
The Friends of the Houston Ebony Opera Guild (FHEOG) was established in November 1991 as a vital volunteer auxiliary to support the Houston Ebony Opera Guild (HEOG), founded in 1983 by Dr. Robert A. Henry to create opportunities for African-American opera and choral singers, making the Guild’s programs accessible to diverse audiences, fostering appreciation for classical music, and promoting Black artists in voice-associated classical music. FHEOG provides crucial volunteer power and fundraising, helping HEOG grow from small concerts in the ’80s to full-scale productions like Porgy & Bess and Carmen, expanding artistic reach and audience engagement for decades.
2025-2027 Officers
Become Our Friend
Friends of HEOG is a dedicated volunteer community that provides essential support to the Houston Ebony Opera Guild beyond the stage. Members play a vital role in bringing HEOG’s events to life by organizing signature gatherings such as the African American Gala, coordinating logistics, and managing the many behind-the-scenes details that make each event successful. Throughout the year, Friends of HEOG assist with welcoming guests, distributing programs, managing ticket sales, and recruiting new supporters who share a passion for HEOG’s mission. The group meets monthly to plan activities, develop fundraising initiatives, and strengthen connections among members, all while fostering a spirit of service, fellowship, and commitment to sustaining Black excellence in opera and the arts in Houston.