Levine's Return To BSO Further Delayed

BOSTON (AP) -- The return of Boston Symphony Orchestra conductor James Levine after back surgery has been delayed a second time.

The BSO announced Monday that recently retired New York Philharmonic conductor Lorin Maazel (LOR'-in mah-ZELL') will fill in for Levine at the final two programs of its cycle of Beethoven symphonies in Boston Oct. 30-Nov. 7, and at New York's Carnegie Hall on Nov. 2.

Levine had surgery earlier this month for a herniated disc. He was first expected back to begin the Beethoven series, then the BSO said last week he wouldn't return until Oct. 30.

Levine's surgery also led him to miss performances of New York's Metropolitan Opera. The BSO said he is expected for his next scheduled Boston performance Jan. 28.