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Levine's future with the BSO unclear

BOSTON, April 7 (UPI) -- Music Director James Levine does not have a current contract with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The Boston Globe reported Wednesday.

The matter is receiving attention because the company's 57-year-old conductor is preparing to undergo back surgery and might not be able to perform at Tanglewood this summer, prompting speculation the BSO plans to replace him, the newspaper said.

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The surgery will be Levine's second in six months and his fourth extensive leave of absence in the six years he has been with the orchestra, he report said.

"Our hope is that he has a successful surgery, and everyone is wishing him the best,'' BSO Managing Director Mark Volpe told the Globe. "But he's got to get through the surgery and then we'll see. This is not tenable, the uncertainty. We have to protect ourselves.''

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