Officials at the Salzburg Festival said that its musical director, Markus Hinterhuser, would not extend his contract past 2011.
Organizers of the Viennese music and drama festival said Mr. Hinterhuser, a pianist who has been musical director since 2003, said he had made the decision after discussions with Alexander Pereira, the festivals artistic director designate.
In a statement Friday, the festival said Mr. Hinterhuser had come to the conclusion that he could not continue under the offered conditions, Mr. Pereira, who is currently the director of the Zurich Opera House, is to begin his five-year term as artistic director in October 2011.
