Updated: Shelby Hodge of Culture Map not Everett Evans of the Chron was the first to break the news of Anthony Freud's departure, we have been informed. So kudos to Evans for a well written story, but Culture Map and Shelby Hodge deserve the recognition for scoring the story first.

As Houston Grand Opera confirmed today, General Director Anthony Freud is leaving after six seasons to become general director of the Lyric opera of Chicago in October.

The Houston Chronicle's Everett Evans broke shared the news this morning, although it was not confirmed by HGO until today.

Freud has been known for his community outreach efforts such as the mariachi opera Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, which is going on to Paris for a performance. He became director in July 2005, the third in HGO's history.

An HGO press release quoted HGO Board of Directors Chairman Glen Rosenbaum as saying: "We are enormously proud of the company's achievements under Anthony's leadership these past six seasons. His extraordinary vision and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on the company and our community. While we are disappointed that Anthony has chosen to move on to Chicago, we wish him well in his new position."

Rosenbaum said HGO and its board are already working on a plan for Freud's successor.

Freud has also served as general director of the Welsh National Opera, producing 120 performances each year in England and Wales, according to his bio.