BOSTON, May 7 (UPI) -- The Boston Symphony Orchestra says Music Director Jim Levine, whose resignation goes into effect in September, won't perform with the orchestra this year.
"We really wanted to give Jim time to focus on his health," Managing Director Mark Volpe told The Boston Globe Friday. "Obviously we're still hoping to engage him in two to three seasons, and hoping that out of that will develop something at Tanglewood."
The orchestra will be led by guest conductors this season, and concertgoers will keep a sharp eye out for potential replacements for Levine, the report said.
Volpe said the BSO's newly established search committee had no influence on the new season -- in fact, the committee has not yet met.
Levine submitted his resignation in March. He has had ongoing back problems and underwent emergency back surgery in 2009. In 2008 he had a kidney removed because of a cancerous cyst.