James Conlon Cancels August Performances Due to Surgery

James Conlon, LA Opera's Richard Seaver Music Director, has cancelled two August engagements in order to undergo surgery to remove an inflamed portion of his colon as a result of diverticulitis. The surgery will take place in New York, and Mr. Conlon's prognosis is for a full recovery following three to four weeks of recuperation after surgery, according to Mr. Conlon's public relations representative, Constance Shuman at Shuman Associates, Inc.

"James has more energy and drive than most people I know, and I know how eager he will be to return to his busy schedule," said Plácido Domingo, LA Opera's Eli and Edythe Broad General Director. "We all wish him a speedy recovery."

Affected performances include his August 17 Ravinia Festival performances of Britten's The Burning Fiery Furnace with singers from Ravinia's Steans Music Institute and members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Trinity Episcopal Church and an August 23 engagement presented by the La Jolla Music Society, as part of LA Opera's Britten100/LA Festival, featuring the SummerFest Chamber Orchestra performing Britten's Simple Symphony and Prelude and Fugue.

Mr. Conlon is expected to have resumed normal activities by the time of his next scheduled conducting appearance, Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Metropolitan Opera, opening on October 11.

According to Christopher Koelsch, LA Opera's President and CEO,"Earlier today I spoke to James, who remains focused, engaged, energetic and in fine spirits. He looks forward to returning to Los Angeles as scheduled to begin rehearsals for our production of Falstaff and to conduct several performances throughout Southern California as part of the Britten 100/LA festival."

For updates, visit www.LAOpera.com.