Levine's Return To BSO Delayed

The return to the podium of Boston Symphony Orchestra conductor James Levine has been delayed about a week.

Levine recently underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back. He was tentatively scheduled to return in time to lead the BSO in a complete cycle of Beethoven concerts between Oct. 22 and Nov. 7.

The orchestra announced Thursday that - on doctor's orders - Levine will sit out the first two programs in the cycle while he continues to recuperate. But he's expected to return for performances of Beethoven's Sixth and Seventh symphonies Oct. 30-31, and Eighth and Ninth symphonies Nov. 5-7.

Levine's surgery had also forced him to withdraw from performances of the Metropolitan Opera in New York.