«Paris is a reactionary city»

«I feel very alone in this city.» The eminent general director of the Opéra Bastille in Paris, Gerard Mortier, dislikes the cultural attitude of Paris. In an interview with the Financial Times on Saturday 23 February, the musical agent-provocateur, who will be heading for the New York City Opera, admits he is under no illusions he will leave his mark on the city.

«In Paris I have tried to establish a certain programme, but I already know that six months after I have left, it will be completely different. Paris is a place where you give a lot and you don’t get very much back. I would say of all the periods in my life, this will have been the least interesting. I don’t have the impression that I will leave a real legacy.»

The now 64-year old Mortier will take the reins of the New York City Opera in September of 2009. He is looking forward to the challenge of working with the American system of private funders. «In New York, you meet people who have artistic taste, whether you like it or not. European politicians are saying that there should be more private participation. Maybe after New York I will be in a position to make some recommendations.»

Read the interview with Shirley Apthorp (Financial Times, February 23, 2008)

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