The Boston Symphony contemplates for calling in sick to work.
The Atlanta Symphony , and he doesn’t have orchestra biz experience.
Courtesy of , the Oregon Symphony’s Carlos Kalmar gets called up to in Chicago next week.
What will Kalmer conduct while he is in Chicago? None other than Mason Bates’ Music From Underground Spaces.
Discover more from Gathering Note
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Gathering Note 
The BSO faces an interesting decision. On one hand, James Levine has improved the orchestra and leads them in very sophisticated performances. His programming is not particularly adventurous, but he brings in some new music. On the other hand, Boston risks being eclipsed by orchestras like New York and L.A. who have made daring decisions in choosing their next conductors. A similarly daring move could give the band a permanent, full-time music director (one whose primary job is at Symphony Hall!), building on the work begun by Levine but adding the panache of a hot young talent.
It would show good faith to stick with Levine, but how long can the orchestra wait for him to heal? At what point does he become a liability?
In some ways Mark, the situation in Boston is similar to the one in Philly. Both are struggling with their artistic identity because neither orchestra has been able to find a permanent artistic leader. Granted, Boston had Levine under contract and his presence, even if it isn’t on the podium is central to the stability of the orchestra, but with Levine constantly on the mend, the BSO is missing a chance to really gel with a conductor the way San Francisco, Minnesota, LA, and now New York has.