MILAN, Italy, May 11 (UPI) -- Outgoing Chicago Symphony Musical Director Daniel Barenboim is poised to become one of Europe's most powerful musical figures, it was reported Thursday.
An announcement was expected within days that Barenboim, 63, would assume a key role at Italy's La Scala opera house when he leaves Chicago next month, The Times of London reported.
La Scala Musical Director Riccardo Muti resigned a year ago amid musician strikes and creative battles.
The Times said Barenboim would start out as La Scala's principal guest conductor with an eye toward moving into the position left by Muti.
Barenboim's contract as chief conductor for the Berlin Staatsoper runs through 2012 and he is conductor for life of the opera house's orchestra, the Staatskapelle Berlin.
A Staatsoper spokeswoman has said Barenboim's status with the Berlin opera house would not be affected by any position he may assume at La Scala.
"We are not going to lose him," she said, adding "joint productions" between Milan and Berlin were under discussion.
