James Levine hoping to conduct at Tanglewood

[May 20, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- James Levine says his recent back surgery was a "spectacular success," but he doesn't know whether he will be able to conduct at the Tanglewood Festival this summer.

The 66-year-old spoke Wednesday to The Associated Press before a ceremony at the American Academy of Arts and Letters, where he was inducted as an honorary member.

Levine, who walked with a cane, says he is happy with his progress from the lower back surgery he had in April.

He has said he would miss the rest of the Metropolitan Opera season. But he remains scheduled for Mahler's "Resurrection" symphony with the Boston Symphony Orchestra on July 9 at the opening of its Tanglewood summer season in Lennox, Mass.

Asked if he expected to conduct at Tanglewood, Levine said he was "hoping for the best."

[Associated Press; By HILLEL ITALIE]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.