More changes in Boston Symphony hierarchy

NEW YORK, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Bernard Haitink, principal guest conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1995, has accepted a new position as conductor emeritus of the orchestra.

An announcement Wednesday by Mark Volpe, managing director of the orchestra, said the change gives Haitink, who will be 75 in March, "an open invitation to appear with the orchestra whenever he is willing and able." The conductor will continue his job as chief conductor and musical director of the Dresden Staatskapelle in Germany.

James Levine, artistic director of New York's Metropolitan Opera, will take over the position of the Boston Symphony's musical director next fall, succeeding Seiji Ozawa who will become music director laureate. Haitink already has accepted a two-week conducting engagement during the symphony's 2005-2006 season, Volpe said.

Haitink made his debut conducting the Boston Symphony in 1971.