Mortier

As he was thus returning, he called Mortier to him, and ordered him "to make the young guard now advance, but on no account to pass the new ravine which separated us from the enemy."

History of the Expedition to Russia Undertaken by the Emperor Napoleon in the Year 1812 Philippe-Paul S��gur 1826

As some here would argue, that makes him immediately unqualified for any job remotely connected with opera, even taking tickets, though I love the idea of Mortier + an Englishman running NYCO, heads would explode all over Parterre Box.

parterre box 2008

I just got back from a trip to the suburbs, where I saw a splendidly sung, theatrically audacious production of Mozart’s “Nozze di Figaro,” which Mr. Mortier is presenting in a venture to bring affordable opera to an economically mixed neighborhood on the outskirts of the city.

Paris Journal: Gerard Mortier and Paris Opera - ArtsBeat Blog - NYTimes.com 2008

I just got back from a trip to the suburbs, where I saw a splendidly sung, theatrically audacious production of Mozart’s “Nozze di Figaro,” which Mr. Mortier is presenting in a venture to bring affordable opera to an economically mixed neighborhood on the outskirts of the city.

Paris Journal: Gerard Mortier and Paris Opera - ArtsBeat Blog - NYTimes.com 2008

Further, Mr. Mortier is said to want to discard all the company’s older productions, clearing the decks for new ones.

Spring Break for City Opera? - ArtsBeat Blog - NYTimes.com 2007

Further, Mr. Mortier is said to want to discard all the company’s older productions, clearing the decks for new ones.

Spring Break for City Opera? - ArtsBeat Blog - NYTimes.com 2007

He called Mortier, and squeezing his hand sorrowfully, told him, "that he had not a moment to lose; that the enemy were overwhelming him in all directions; that Kutusoff might already reach Liady, perhaps Orcha, and the last winding of the Boristhenes before him; that he would therefore proceed thither rapidly with his old guard, in order to occupy that passage.

History of the Expedition to Russia Undertaken by the Emperor Napoleon in the Year 1812 Philippe-Paul S��gur 1826

It also suffered an embarrassing episode in 2008 in which the Belgian director Gerard Mortier quit even before assuming his appointed post as the company's general manager.

City Opera Ponders Cuts, Suspends Season Erica Orden 2011

Then there's the ghost of Gerard Mortier, the Frenchman who was to be artistic director of City Opera in 2008 but bailed out.

Wanted: Opera Troupe Seeks Modest Home Pia Catton 2011

Mr. Mortier was quick to declare the Armory as a potential venue, but balked at the company's paltry budget.

Wanted: Opera Troupe Seeks Modest Home Pia Catton 2011