As General Director in Santa Fe, Gaddes sought to bring to Santa Fe the most important singers, conductors, directors and designers from the US and abroad. He continued and broadened the Company’s long-standing commitment to the performance of new and unusual works. In 2003 he appointed Alan Gilbert as the Company’s first Music Director. When Gilbert resigned the post in May 2007, Kenneth Montgomery became interim music director for the 2007 season. In July 2007, SFO and Gaddes named Edo de Waart the company's new chief conductor, effective 1 October 2007.