He launched radio partnerships that returned regular broadcasts to the national and international radio airwaves for the first time in 25 years. Gockley ushered in another first for SFO in 2008, presenting a series of four operas in movie theaters across the country, adding a further 12 titles since. To date, the events have drawn a collective 200,000 fans, most nights filling the 27,000-seat stadium to capacity. The following year, SFO moved its al fresco telecasts to the AT&T Park baseball stadium, where, using the scoreboard as a screen, it has continued its free simulcasts ever since.

His quest to broaden and diversify audiences began in his first months in the job, when, in May 2006, he took opera to the center of the community with a free outdoor simulcast (the first in the company’s history) of Madama Butterfly. Under his leadership, the company has presented six world and two West Coast premieres and also managed to pack in a new production of The Ring. Trained in composing, conducting, and voice, David Gockley has spent seven years as general director of the San Francisco Opera, making his mark as an innovator who champions new music and wants to make opera for all.

Houston grand opera radio broadcasts