Gerard Mortier

Gerard Mortier
Born
Gerard Alfons August Mortier

(1943-11-25)November 25, 1943
Ghent, Belgium
DiedMarch 8, 2014(2014-03-08) (aged 70)
Brussels, Belgium
NationalityBelgian
EducationGhent University (Law, Journalism)
Occupation(s)Opera director, arts administrator
Known forDirector of La Monnaie, Salzburg Festival, Ruhrtriennale, Paris Opera, Teatro Real
PartnerSylvain Cambreling
HonoursBaron (2007), Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

Gerard Alfons August, Baron Mortier (25 November 1943 – 8 March 2014) was a Belgian opera director and administrator of Flemish origin known for his innovative leadership of major European opera houses, including La Monnaie, the Salzburg Festival, and the Opéra National de Paris. He promoted contemporary works, challenged traditional staging, and sought to make opera more accessible. Mortier received multiple international honours and was made a baron in 2007.