Breaking: Leonard Slatkin takes two months out for bypass surgery

press statement:

Leonard Slatkin announced today that he must regrettably withdraw from his upcoming conducting dates this May and June. Maestro Slatkin will undergo heart bypass surgery next week and is expected to be fully recovered in about three months. The cancellation encompasses upcoming appearances with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Prague Spring Festival, Chamber Music Society of St. Louis, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestre National de Lyon.

The Detroit Symphony dates—May 25 to 27, May 31 to June 2, and June 8 & 10—are the last three Classical Series subscription concerts of the 2017-18 season and were to be Maestro Slatkin’s final concerts as DSO Music Director. New conductors for these programs will be announced by the DSO in the coming days.

Maestro Slatkin said: “My wife Cindy and I are of course very disappointed, as we know how much effort has gone into the many activities that are planned, but I also know that all of you will understand the necessity of taking care of these health issues. My cardiologists are among the very best in the field. They have indicated that this procedure should eliminate my heart problems and ensure that I will be able to conduct for many years to come.”