Intermezzo

Levine out; Luisi in

AP

Following a fall in which he damaged a vertebra, James Levine has withdrawn from the remainder of his Metropolitan Opera assignments this year.

Fabio Luisi, who recently upped sticks to New York, replaces him for all performances.

Elevated from Principal Guest Conductor to Principal Conductor, Luisi moves a step closer to the big prize. Levine remains as Music Director. For now.

Wozzup?

Wozzeck - Metropolitan Opera, 6 April 2011(season premiere)

The most moving moment in this brief evening came before a note had been played. As James Levine entered the pit for the first time in over a month, it seemed as if the cheers and applause might never stop. Still visibly suffering from the chronic back pain that sidelined him recently, the Met's revered maestro turned to acknowledge the audience with his hand over his heart. The scenario played out again at the end of the evening. Levine remained in the pit for his ovation, presumably too frail to ascend to the stage for a bow.

"Must make world-class music from ivory tower; crazy hair preferred"

 
"If you believe the chatter of opera watchers—especially the popular blog Parterre Box, which on Jan. 30 predicted that Mr. Levine's retirement was in the offing—change is coming soon. But the Met's general manager, Peter Gelb, said that Wednesday's announcement [of the 2011-12 Met season] will not include changes to Mr. Levine's role, and that there is no timeline for turnover. "As I have said previously, as long as Maestro Levine wishes to be the music director of the Met, he will be," he said." - Pia Catton, Wall Street Journal

Sooooo...........expect an announcement Thursday then?

(The photo pictures child prodigy conductor Max Darewski.)

Don Pasquale at the Met

Don Pasquale, Metropolitan Opera, 10 November 2010

 

The Met's Don Pasquale is all about Anna Netrebko. Otto Schenk's Met-by-numbers production is a mere four years old, though you'd be forgiven for guessing fifty-four. The other singers are, with one exception, merely competent - and what sort of conductor would boast of his Donizetti? It's Anna's minxy, knowing Norina that sets the stage on fire.

when Jimmy met Patti

 
photo © Jill Krementz; all rights reserved

Taken at the Met's opening night party - lots, lots more on New York Social Diary.

<40 = $20 : Boston Symphony Orchestra's magic numbers

Boston Symphony Orchestra have a cracking deal for anyone under 40 - tickets for the rest of the season (normally up to $115) are being offered for just $20, thanks to a subsidy from a generous patron. 

Fill seats, incubate a new audience and still get paid for it - no wonder Boston is the smartypants capital of the USA.