According to a press release, Prieto is giving up the post in part because of his commitments as the incoming music director of the Louisiana Philharmonic, which is in the process of rebuilding after being silenced by Hurricane Katrina last fall. He is also the music director of Alabama's Huntsville Symphony and Mexico's Xalapa Symphony.

"I have very much enjoyed working with the orchestra and the people of Houston," Prieto said. "However, our challenges in New Orleans are enormous and I want to devote as much time as possible to do everything I can helping that orchestra return to its position of prominence in that community."

The Houston Symphony said that Prieto would continue to appear as a guest conductor.