“An unexpected heart-bypass operation next week will cause Detroit Symphony Orchestra Music Director Leonard Slatkin to withdraw from three upcoming DSO concerts,” writes Michael Hodges in Friday’s (5/4) Detroit News. “Slatkin, 73, will miss the final three Classical Series subscription concerts this month and next, which were to be his last before transitioning from music director to music director laureate next season. As long planned, Slatkin will return in the fall for the 2018-2019 season, when he will conduct five weeks…. Slatkin said he and his wife, composer Cindy McTee, are very disappointed, ‘but I also know that all of you will understand the necessity of taking care of these health issues.’ Slatkin … said his cardiologists have assured him surgery should fix his heart issues. His recovery is expected to take about three months…. Replacement conductors will be announced … DSO president and CEO Anne Parsons [said], ‘Though he will not be on the podium for these three programs, we look forward to honoring him for all that’s he’s accomplished in Detroit over the past 10 years.’ On June 23 … the DSO will salute Slatkin as well as philanthropists Penny and Harold Blumenstein at its annual Heroes Gala.”
Posted May 7, 2018
