In Friday’s (2/25) Boston Globe, Laura Collins-Hughes reports, “Boston Symphony Orchestra assistant conductor Sean Newhouse made an unexpected debut on the podium last night when music director James Levine was unable to conduct as scheduled. BSO managing director Mark Volpe attributed Levine’s absence to the conductor’s ongoing back problems, combined with a viral infection. An e-mail to The Boston Globe contained the text of Volpe’s statement to the audience: ‘Although James Levine has been rehearsing with the Orchestra the past two days, he recently had a procedure to address his ongoing back issues. Unfortunately, he is experiencing some ill effects which have been further complicated by a viral infection. Consequently, he is unable to conduct tonight. In Maestro Levine’s absence, the BSO’s new Assistant Conductor Sean Newhouse will make his debut tonight with the Boston Symphony. Thank you for your understanding.’ ” Newhouse recently participated in the Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview organized by the League of American Orchestras and hosted by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in New Orleans.
Posted February 25, 2011
