So, was anyone at Saturday night’s performance by the Boston Symphony? How’s James Levine doing with that back problem? And doesn’t it seem that a maestro who has had a history of delicate health should maybe at this point decide whether he wants BSO or the Met — particularly when both these organizations have elaborate and difficult programs to be prepared and presented simultaneously — because, obviously, early this week, something had to give, and what “gave” was the Met. 

Or — stop La Cieca if she’s wrong here — isn’t it important that the second night subscribers get the same conductor who brought his halo-encircled visage to the podium on the night all the furs, nose jobs and critics were in attendance?

And, further, how much howling would we hear (and rightfully so!) if, say, Angela Gheorghiu or Anna Netrebko sang opening night, then called in sick for the second performance, meanwhile doing an out-of-town engagement?

If the job at the Met is too much for the maestro to handle, isn’t it time to find someone else to handle it?