Franz Welser-Moset, one of the most famous conductors in the world, has quit his post as musical director of Vienna’s well-known State Opera. He cited creative differences with the organization’s artistic director.
Welser-Moset only sent a short statement to music director Dominique Meyer on Friday, just a few days before the 2014-2015 season kicks off , reports Reuters. He cited “long-standing artistic differences that were not resolved in several discussions.”
The Vienna State Opera will now have to rush to find a replacement, especially since they expected him to be sticking around for several more years. According to the Associated Press, his contract lasted through 2018.
“This is of course a great loss and the step also sorrows me personally because I very much value Franz Welser-Moest as an artist and director,” Meyer told the Austria Press Agency.
Welser-Moset will also not conduct the State Opera, which had 34 productions planned for the upcoming season. During his tenure, he also conducted the Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s concert, which is broadcast internationally each year.
Welser-Moset is also currently the music director of the Cleveland Orchestra.