Replacing conductors creates musical podiums

NEW YORK – Eight symphonies have severed ties to Charles Dutoit in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations, setting off a scramble to find replacements for upcoming performances.

It’s a problem that the Metropolitan Opera contended with this month when music director emeritus James Levine was accused of multiple instances of sexual misconduct. One issue that companies face: the field of top replacements is small.

Jonathan Brill is a top executive at Opus 3 Artists, which manages many conductors, singers and musicians. He says while top conductors don’t book work every week of the year, they aren’t readily available. He says, “they’re not sitting around and waiting.”

Opera conductors typically work weeks or even a month with orchestras, singers and others before a performance.