Levine Out for the Metropolitan Opera’s Tosca & Lulu. Fabio Luisi to Step In

Opera Chic reports that Italian Maestro Fabio Luisi will be called in to substitute James Levine for a handful of remaining Metropolitan Opera spring performances, Levine still recovering from his herniated disc.

Levine was supposed to conduct opening night of Tosca on April 14, continuing with April 17, 20, and 24th. Fabio Luisi (who Opera Chic calls “the conductor with a German brain and an Italian heart”) will step-up to the podium for all four performances.

Levine has also cancelled the entire May run of Berg’s Lulu (May 8, 12 & 15), and the Metropolitan Opera has called on Maestro Luisi to conduct in his place.