Disney opera plans halted
Nov 9, 2008

Plans for an opera based on the life of Walt Disney as well as "Brokeback Mountain" have come to an end.

The operas were the brainchild of Gerard Mortier, general manager and director of City Opera at New York's Lincoln Center. Mortier was appointed to his post in 2007 and announced the development of the Disney and Brokeback operas for the 2009-2010 seasons.

Following months of speculation that Mortier was leaving, the director quit his position with the opera. It is believed that his departure was a result of budget cuts which did not allow him the funds needed to develop the projects. City Opera has been struggling with revenue problems and recently began layoffs. The renovation of City Opera's New York State Theater, started by Mortier, will continue.

Following his departure, Mortier said he is looking for others to invest in developing both the Disney and Brokeback operas.