You have long led the Capitole de Toulouse

Named in August 2009, at the head of the Paris Opera, you have chosen, to your predecessor, Gérard mortar, for a refocusing on the large directory and the most ambitious voice. What are the economic consequences of this policy

On the season, production expenses ranged from 35 to 37 million euros under Gérard mortar. Today we are close to 39 million. But at the same time, the balance between these expenditures and revenues generated from a little less of 10 million euros earlier to more than 15 million expected in 2011, which will be a record. The ticket office, which represented 46 to 48 million euros in the period mortar, a 52 million in 2010 and we exceed the 54.5 in 2011. The fill rate is 94, an increase of 2 to 3 points. This ambitious policy further reported that it costs. It has a positive impact on patronage. But I also program works never entered to the directory, such as "Mathis the painter" which was seen by 18,000 people.

You have long led the Capitole de Toulouse. With the Opera de Paris, you have moved to scale. What is this mean concretely

The two houses are finally comparable with an orchestra, a choir, a ballet, comprehensive technical services. But the Paris Opera, with 350 performances per year, 1,600 employees, two theatres, is unique in the world in size. Artistic strengths are exceptional: 175 musicians, only the Vienna Opera has the equivalent; 154. To lead such an institution, must be international networks and it is one of the reasons why I was chosen, with staged of the operas in the world. Moreover, I recreated a position of permanent Music Director, allowing substantive work in the service of excellence. The Paris Opera is a very strong brand.

Do you, as the Louvre, the decline more or export this brand

The Paris Opera mark is recognized and are interested in many countries. It is also integrated to the French cultural diplomacy. We think effectively marketing our expertise around the world, it would be new in the live show. We have no taboo regarding declinations marketing, as we keep control of our name. Brand licenses can provide attractive wages. Our concessions are currently generating EUR 2 million per year: for example, Garnier shop, managed by Galeries Lafayette, works very well and so much the better, since this concession revenue are sitting on the turnover achieved. We will sell in addition not far from 60,000 DVD our shows in 2010.

The budget of the Paris Opera is approximately EUR 200 million. To what extent are you affected by the budgetary restrictions imposed by the State

The State grant is only half of the budget. In the situation of public finances, it is normal that the Paris Opera makes an effort. For 2011, I will have the same grant that by 2010, while the State had thought of on the cost of life peg it. The financing of our multi-year investment plan, the order of EUR 10 million per year, will also be affected and it is boring. Excellence is part of the public service.

Is this not a very elitist public service

This House remains open to all. One can see lyrical masterpieces in all tariffs, 5 standing EUR 180 EUR in first category for the "tetralogy" of Wagner, including the price is increased. Paris Opera remains much cheaper than Covent Garden, London, or the MET in New York. The patrons are much invested to discover opera to audiences young and less advantaged. Thursday noon we organize conferences and free concerts at Bastille. And we want to develop our audiovisual broadcasting...

Garnier is one of the most visited monuments of Paris. Can be there also identify new recipes multiplying the exhibitions

It is an iconic monument, which hosts 500,000 visitors per year. The exhibitions are public service obligations and not money related. But we must work to improve the reception and the visit by offering more services, such as the audio-guide or opening next to a restaurant managed by the white brothers.

Expand public does not also by a growing new technologies use

The habits of the public change. To be made more flexible: for a month, the "Print at home" tickets is possible on the Net. Our site is the second most visited Opera in the world after the MET. We just launched an iPhone application which records download records. It will soon be available on shelves. We want to go further, as informed by SMS of changes in distribution or provide promotional offers to interested persons if a representation is not met. All this helps attract new viewers but also to retain: the number of subscribers increased by 10 in 2009-2010, and 7 in 2010-2011, to faithful 15.300.