Breaking News: Maestro Levine Pulls Out of All Upcoming Fall Appearances

Both the BSO, Carnegie Hall, and the Metropolitan Opera have announced that James Levine will be withdrawing from all Fall upcoming concerts for health reasons. The American conductor will be undergoing "immediate unanticipated" back surgery to repair a herniated disc.

Tonight and Saturday night's Boston BSO concerts, in addition to Thursday night's NYC Carnegie Hall season opener will be affected by Levine's cancellations. The BSO will replace Levine with assistant conductors Shi-Yeon Sung and Julian Kuerti.

Regarding the Metropolitan Opera, Levine will withdraw from his Fall engagements, but is expected to be on the podium for the opening production of Les Contes d'Hoffmann on December 3, 2009. Levine's MET cancellations are as follows:

Tosca's October 6 & 10 matinee: James Colaneri
Der Rosenkavalier's October 13, 16 & 28: TBA

A speedy recovery and all our biggest, best healing wishes to Maestro Levine!

[Update, Sept. 30]

The Metropolitan Opera has announced that Edo de Waart will conduct Der Rosenkavalier on October 13, 16, and 19, replacing James Levine.

Comments

[Dork Chester]

Very bad news. I hope his surgery intervention fixes him. Thanks for the info.

[Marshie]

They should place a quick call to Jiri Kout who conducted exceptionally beautiful (no, diamantine) performances of Der Rosenkavalier in 2000, also at the Met.

[Coloratura Tempura]

Maestro get well soon!

[Amber]

Get well sooooon!!!

[cd]

I think his recovery will be a long one. Back surgery usually takes its toll on all, but Maestro Levine seems very out-of-shape (no muscle tone to speak of)and will probably need extensive rehabilitation. :(

[ChrstineLinke]

In bocca al lupo Maestro!

[Anya]

, that sucks.

First Tosca bombs the old folks' home, then this - will anyone come see the Live in HD?