It's not the first time we've done a program that we knew would be a challenge.

It's been a real challenge this year trying to find what buttons to push at the right time. I think we're ready. This is a winner-take-all situation, so if you have an off night, your season is over.

Last week Mr. Ozawa returned to Japan and was admitted to a hospital for treatment of a bronchial infection and a shingles infection that has affected one of his eyes. Mr. Ozawa has been released from the hospital and is currently at home in Japan, following his doctor's instructions to take a period of several months' rest.

The Berlin Philharmonic has a music director, and the Vienna Philharmonic doesn't. They're two of the best orchestras in the world.

Every situation is very different. For 29 years here, it had been Seiji, Seiji, Seiji. So it was great for the players that, for two years [with Levine waiting in the wings], the focus was the Boston Symphony. But at the same time, what Jim has been able to do here in just two years is bring a focus and a standard. Bernard Haitink immediately remarked on the difference.

Maybe with 'Parsifal,' because it's only three performances and a limited rehearsal time, we'll be able to get someone really good.