Friedkin to direct Bavarian Opera

Kent Nagano, who is leaving his post as music director of Los Angeles Opera to become music director of both the Bavarian State Opera in Munich and the Montreal Symphony, is not the only L.A. Opera veteran headed for Munich.

William Friedkin, Oscar-winning director of “The French Connection” and “The Exorcist” -- who has mounted three productions for Los Angeles Opera, including “Ariadne auf Naxos” in 2004 -- will direct the Bavarian State Opera’s season opener, a new staging of Richard Strauss’ “Salome.” It is scheduled to open Oct. 27 on a double bill with the world premiere of a one-act opera by Wolfgang Rihm, “Das Gehege” (The Enclosure).

-- Diane Haithman