News
James Levine Withdraws from Met Conducting Assignments Through the End of Next Season

Met Music Director focusing on long-term recovery from most recent injury and surgery; Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi to conduct this season’s Ring cycles in April and May

December 9, 2011

New York, NY (December 9, 2011) – Music Director James Levine will not conduct at the Metropolitan Opera for the remainder of this season, or during the 2012-13 season, in order to allow for a full recovery from the spinal injury he suffered last August. After falling while on vacation last summer, Levine underwent emergency surgery that forced him to withdraw from his performances in the first part of this season.

Due to the severe injury to his spinal cord, Levine’s doctors have said that his post-operative recovery will be a long-term process. Since September he has been at a rehabilitation facility, which he will be leaving shortly. While his condition has greatly improved in recent months, it is uncertain exactly when he will be fully recovered and able to return to conducting.

RTWT