Paris (AFP)

The future director general of the Paris Opera Alexander Neef says AFP "needs time" before saying if he can take office sooner than expected, after the surprise announcement of the anticipated departure of the outgoing director.

On Thursday, Stéphane Lissner announced that he would end his duties on December 31, seven months earlier than expected, when the three-hundred-year-old institution, paralyzed after a historic strike, the coronavirus epidemic and a closure for work in perspective, faces one of the most serious crises in its history.

Question: Were you aware of Mr. Lissner's departure?

Answer: "This is not information that I have had for a long time. The Minister (French for Culture Franck Riester) and Stéphane warned me two days ago, but we did not have time to really discuss of an early departure, to see what it meant for everyone and what conclusions to draw from it.

When I was appointed last year, the idea was for me to stay in Canada (where he is director of the Canadian Opera Company, editor's note) until the end of Lissner's mandate and then to settle in Paris. in the summer. There was a change in his calendar, which obviously raises the question of my own calendar. Now, for my part, I need time. "

Q: Will you take office on January 1, 2021?

A: "Until yesterday, everyone whose Board of Directors (of the Canadian Opera Company, editor's note) thought I was going to stay longer. The appointment of my successor (head of the COC) is in process course, so there are several elements that are not clear at the moment. What we are trying to do on this side of the Atlantic is to establish a dialogue on how we can resolve this situation. After, we will go to the next step.

I am very committed to my company and I would not want to disappoint it, so with this information that we have had for two days, we now need time to establish a dialogue.

For January, we have to see if it can be done. It depends on the appointment of my successor. I cannot categorically say that I cannot do it, but today I cannot say that I can do it either. "

Q: The Opera is in crisis, aren't you discouraged?

A: "I was honored and delighted when I was appointed and I still am. It is this change of calendar that we have to manage. In addition to developing an artistic project, we must evaluate the situation of the institution and make recommendations for the future.

The Ministry of Culture (which asked him to come up with ideas as early as September, editor's note) wanted to formalize this and give Martin Ajdari, my deputy, and myself the legitimacy to do so.

Due to the health situation, many institutions are experiencing exceptional circumstances. Everything takes time. There are also many strengths in the institution.

It is still too early to detail my priorities. But there will certainly be a need to ensure the highest level of artistic excellence, while ensuring financial stability and engaging in dialogue with staff and government. "

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