Scott leaves two months after the arrival of Dennis Hanthorn, who was named to the powerful position of general director after the retirement of longtime executive director Alfred Kennedy. Hanthorn, the former head of the Florentine Opera in Milwaukee, has made no secret of his plans to shake up the company, which is struggling financially.

According to Musical America, Scott was expected to leave the Atlanta Opera eventually, but the timing of his announcement was a surprise. He will celebrate his 20th anniversary with the company next year.

"This decision is my decision alone," Scott told Musical America, "and one I have been planning to coincide with my 20th anniversary."

Hanthorn has asked Scott to continuing working with the company as artistic advisor, but Scott said that he had not decided whether to accept the position.