Berlin opera manager leaves

Peter Mussbach, general manager of Berlin’s famed Staatsoper, is leaving because of differences over programming.

The foundation that oversees Berlin’s three opera houses decided in consultation with Mussbach, 59, to “release him irrevocably with immediate effect,” a statement from the city government said Thursday.

“Both sides were prompted to take this step because they were unable to reach agreement on the future direction of the overall operation and the artistic programming,” the statement said.

An opera spokesman said a successor had not been named.

Mussbach has been general manager at the Staatsoper, where Daniel Barenboim remains the music director, since 2002. His contract was set to run through the 2009-10 season.