“The highlight of my life was leading City Opera out of bankruptcy and back on stage in Lincoln Center. I have loved the company since I was a pre-teen enjoying dozens of memorable performances by this great institution. I wish them well going forward and will attend and applaud all of their future programming,” he said in a statement.

Of his future plans, he threatens to “move to Italy, where I am a citizen. I will still pursue opportunities as a stage director as well as finally write a play and a screenplay that I have put off for years.”

Future plans for NYCO’s leadership or programming have not been announced.