Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Opera announce top resignations on same day
A view of Lincoln Center in New York.
The timing was undeniably strange, given how closely the two organizations work. The speculation has already started flying.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the Metropolitan Opera both announced top resignations Thursday. In an unexpected move, Jed Bernstein, who has served as president of Lincoln Center for just two years, is stepping down immediately from his role running the country’s largest performing arts venue.
Separately, the Met said that Music Director James Levine will retire at the end of the season, due to health reasons. The venerated conductor, who has been with the company for four decades, has been in failing health for several years.
The Met said that next season, Levine will withdraw from its new production of Strauss’s “Der Rosenkavalier,” but still plans to lead revivals of Rossini’s “L’Italiana in Algeri,” Verdi’s “Nabucco” and Mozart’s “Idomeneo.”
Levine, who became music director in 1976, will take on the title of music director emeritus.
It remains unclear if Levine, 72, voluntarily retired or if the Met’s leadership pushed for his resignation. The company’s announcement didn’t include a quote from the conductor.
Recently, Levine has been conducting from a wheelchair due to health problems, including surgery for his back.
The Met said a plan is in place to appoint a new music director who will be announced in the “coming months.”
Bernstein said in a letter to Lincoln Center officials that he is resigning in order to return to “what makes me happiest: creating and producing.” Before joining Lincoln Center, he was a Broadway producer whose credits include “Passing Strange” and recent revivals of “Driving Miss Daisy” and “Oleanna.” He also led The Broadway League, the prominent industry trade association.
During his tenure at Lincoln Center, Bernstein oversaw the renaming of Avery Fisher Hall in honor of David Geffen, who donated $100 million toward the major renovation of the concert venue, home to the New York Philharmonic.
The renovation is expected to cost about $500 million.
Lincoln Center also includes the Metropolitan Opera and the David H. Koch Theater, which is home to the New York City Ballet. The Juilliard School is also located on Lincoln Center’s campus.
“I have agreed to be available as needed to advise on special projects and assist with the transition.,” said Bernstein in his letter. “And I look forward to sharing news about my future plans shortly.”
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