By Charlie Deitz
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-955396.mp3
Berkshire County – The Boston Symphony Orchestra's music director has withdrawn from the rest of the season due to health complications. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Charlie Deitz reports that the announcement leaves a big question mark looming over the summer line-up at Tanglewood
James Levine is one of the preeminent musical directors in the nation, concurrently working as the lead maestro for the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New York Metropolitan Opera, taking in over 3 million dollars per year from performances and administrative salaries.
The prolific conductor had to cancel numerous shows over the last few years due to kidney and back surgery. This week, Levine cancelled his scheduled appearances for the rest of the month with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, or BSO due to a viral infection resulting from his most recent back surgery. Clarence Fanto is a long time classical music critic and Berkshire Eagle contributor "He's scheduled to return to the Metropolitan Opera at the end of this month, the greatest interest is the impact on the Tanglewood season."
Last year Levine bowed out of his scheduled Tanglewood performances due to health issues, and with several blockbuster events scheduled this summer, BSO management is trying to hammer out a contingency plan in case he pulls the plug on that as well. BSO management was not available for comment on the matter as they are currently meeting with trustees to determine a course for the next few weeks. Nancy Fitzpatrick is a trustee as well as chair of the Tanglewood Business Partners, she couldn't comment officially as a trustee, but could speak as the owner of the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, which depends on a successful tanglewood season "The symphony is going to handle this really well, we don't know about Tanglewood."
Last year, the BSO brought in a cast of national conductors to fill in for Levine. Fanto explains that although there is a ton of talent out there, Levine's artistic touch will be missed should he withdraw from his Tanglewood schedule.
Fanto has spoken with BSO representatives as well as other ardent concert goers, most of whom concede that being musical director at two of the nation's top symphonies is difficult for even the healthiest of conductors. Levine's brother Tom told the Boston Globe that his brother might be considering a reduced role in Boston, Fanto says that's not a surprise.
Although Levine has pulled out, the BSO still plans to maintain its performance schedule including a showcase northeast tour. Check back at wamc.org over the upcoming days for word on how the BSO plans to fill the gap left by Levine.