James Levine Cancels All Fall Dates; Met Opera Names New Principal Conductor

Last week, while recovering from a back operation, the ailing conductor fell and injured a vertebra. As a result, he has withdrawn from all of his scheduled appearances at the Met through the end of this year. While Levine retains the title of Music Director, the Met has appointed Fabio Luisi as Principal Conductor, effective immediately.

Artists, Funding Bodies, And The Expectation Of Gratitude

“Nothing wrong with wanting great plays, concerts and books. But I have a sneaking suspicion that we want something more from artists. We expect them to be grateful. This is a sensitive subject that is rarely spoken about publicly: the relationship between artists and the funding bodies, sponsors and donors who enable them to do what they do.”