James Levine - Levine Recovering After Operation

American orchestral conductor JAMES LEVINE is recovering after undergoing surgery to remove a tumour from his kidney.

The Boston Symphony and Metropolitan Opera music director was hospitalised on 15 July (08) to have the tumour removed.

The 65-year-old was released from hospital last weekend (19-20Jul08).

Levine's spokesman Mark Volpe says doctors "found the growth to be malignant, but it was very small and confined to the central area of his right kidney, which was then removed".

He adds, "Fortunately, as the growth was discovered early enough, it had not spread to the surrounding tissues, blood vessels, or lymph nodes. Doctors reported the surgery was completely curative and no further treatment is necessary.

"He is in very good spirits recuperating at home, and looks forward to conducting the opening events of the 2008/2009 seasons."