Levine Takes Boston Post

The Boston Symphony Orchestra named New York Metropolitan Opera artistic director James Levine its new music director Sunday, making him the first American to hold the post in the orchestra’s 120-year history. He will replace Seiji Ozawa, who has led the BSO for 28 years. Ozawa will be music director of the Vienna State Opera in the fall 2002.

Levine, 58, who recently renewed and extended his contract with the Met through the 2008 season, is expected to take up the Boston baton for the 2003-04 season.