WilliamM

Why are we still discussing Levine. The Met fired him. Levine has been replaced by Emanuel Villaume for all but one of the early performances of "Tosca," including December 31. The first paragraph of the Vulture article @Moondance mentioned above. Moondance included the most important paragraphs. I am adding just one paragraph. The investigations have begun, three victims have stepped into the light, and, while his crimes remain in the “alleged” column, James Levine’s career has clearly ended. If the now 74-year-old high priest of the Metropolitan Opera’s pit did what he has been credibly accused of doing, the principal casualties are his victims — three who have identified themselves, those who may soon do the same, and others who never will.

No. Gere was better looking. I saw him in person early on. He graduated college with my brother.

Why should any organization protect him? I was subject to potential sexual abuse from a professor when I was a freshman in college. I found an excuse to leave, and stayed far away in class afterwards. I would have pushed him away if he touched me. If it had gone further, I would have been very, very angry if the university had protected the professor. In fact, the Met protected Levine long after it made sense!

http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/santa-claus-and-the-radio-city-music-hall-rockettes-celebrate-the-of-picture-id51994686 I appreciate time at Christmas visiting the Radio City skating rink in New York City

Excrpt from today's New York Times "The Ravinia Festival also announced Monday night that it had “severed all ties” with Mr. Levine, its former music director, who had planned to begin a five-year term as conductor laureate in the summer of 2018. “We are deeply troubled and saddened by the allegations and sympathize with everyone who has been hurt,” the festival said in a statement. The man who made the new accusations Monday, Albin Ifsich, said he had been abused by Mr. Levine beginning in 1968, when Mr. Ifsich was 20 and attending the Meadow Brook School of Music, a summer program in Michigan where Mr. Levine was a rising star on the faculty. He said that the abuse continued for several years after he joined a tight-knit clique of young musicians who followed Mr. Levine in Cleveland and later New York. Mr. Ifsich — who went on to have a long career as a violinist in the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra — recalled visiting Mr. Levine’s dorm room one night to discuss problems the student was having with his bow arm. “And then he says, ‘If we’re going to work on your violin I have to understand you sexually,’” Mr. Ifsich said. The abuse began with Mr. Levine exposing himself and engaging in masturbation.

http://www.hobert.net/gallery/download.php?pid=50108 http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cw3nwHF2m1g/TTqbjKTzlBI/AAAAAAAAQt4/Gwuum9OWoOA/s1600/6744.jpg

How is Levine different from Spacey? To suggest "who is just being opportunistic" makes me wonder if you realize not everyone is as knowing as you at age 17.

Yes, definitely. Most of my cars have been stick shift. Three out of five. To be fair, I also drove stick shifts in Europe and Asia because there was little alternative then.

Come on, @TruHart1. Levine used his power to sexual abuse young men. The Times article describes Levine "finding" musical talent in some of the young men.

The headline in the print edition for New York Times, December 4, 2017 is "Top Conductor Is Suspended By Met Opera." Very long article. I did not read the linked article I am not sure how anyone could read any recent version of the Times article and still defend Levine. Yes, I have seen Levine often conduct at the Met as well. His supreme talent is not in question.

Levine is very, very lucky too last this long. And there are several accuser, not just one. Read update in December 4, New York Times