Tugan Sokhiev was has stood down as the WNO's music director

Tugan Sokhiev, whose appointment was first announced at the end of 2001, has given the WNO's board notice to terminate his contract.

Returning to the post will be Carlo Rizzi, who was with the WNO for nine years until 2001.

Mr Sokhiev was due to conduct the WNO's first night at the new �104m Millennium Centre - La Traviata - next February.

The Russian conductor took charge of his first season early last year and as a 25-year-old was one of the youngest in the world to take up such a senior post.

A series of Russian-themed operas were planned for the next few years.

The WNO board said it had accepted Mr Sokhiev's decision with regret and welcomed Mr Rizzi's return for the company's 2004-5 and 2005-6 seasons.

Anthony Freud, general director of the WNO, said: "I am very sorry that Tugan has reached the decision to relinquish his position as music director.

"Tugan is an exceptionally talented conductor who has a major career ahead of him.

'New home'

"I am very grateful to Carlo for re-organising his schedule in order to take up the post for this two-year period.

"Since leaving us nearly four years ago his career has gone from strength to strength.

The Wales Millennium Centre is due to open in November

"As we approach the move to our new home in the Wales Millennium Centre, it is very important that we have a music director in post."

Mr Rizzi is now due to conduct the Cardiff performances of La Traviata next year, including the opening performance at the Wales Millennium Centre, in Cardiff Bay.

Guardian Opera Critic Rian Evans described Mr Sokhiev's appointment as "a gamble that did not pay off" for the WNO.

"He is a very clever musician but probably without the breadth of experience that a conductor needs to be at the helm of an international company like the WNO," she said.

The WNO, which gives more than 110 opera performances annually, is due to open its first season at the Millennium Centre on 18 February, 2005.

The WNO's autumn season will mark the company's farewell to Cardiff's New Theatre, where it has played for 50 years.

Ticket strategy

The WNO has said that its first performance of La Traviata has already sold out.

The company had slashed ticket prices for the new 1,750-seat auditorium at the Millennium Centre, with many selling for as little as �5, as part of a strategy to bring in opera newcomers.

The Millennium Centre is due to open its doors in November.

Its opening weekend is due to feature appearances from performers including Bryn Terfel, Matthew Rhys, Sian Phillips, Ruthie Henshall and Jonathan Pryce.

As well as the WNO, the new centre is to be the permanent base for the National Orchestra of Wales, the Diversions Dance company and other Wales-based arts organisations.

The centre will hold international musicals, operas, ballet and dance events.