S.F. Opera to lose Runnicles

The San Francisco Opera will not extend the tenure of music director Donald Runnicles when his contract expires in 2009.

Runnicles, who was appointed in 1990, said the decision was made with general director David Gockley, who started his job in January. Gockley agreed the planned parting was amicable.

Both said professional tension did not prompt the decision.

Runnicles, who became the company’s second music director after the death of John Pritchard, plans to continue as a conductor, including in a production of Wagner’s “Ring” cycle planned for the 2010-11 season.