For the love of opera: James Levine on 60 Minutes
The world lost Bob Simon a few weeks ago, but the 60 Minutes correspondent's love of the opera lives after him this Sunday when the CBS News magazine broadcasts Simon's profile of New York Metropolitan Opera music director James Levine. The story, which Simon had finished a week before he died on Feb. 11, will be broadcast on 60 Minutes Sunday, March 8 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
Simon's profile of the conductor highlights the maestro's return to work in late 2013 after a devastating fall that left him partially paralyzed. The story traces his career over the decades, culminating in his return to the podium in a wheelchair. The Met has provided a mechanical podium that raises and lowers him in the chair so he can conduct the musicians in his orchestra.
The profile features interviews with Levine and music star Placido Domingo and captures his practice sessions with his beloved singers, including the famous mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe.
Levine, 71, has been a fixture at the Met since 1971 and is arguably America's greatest conductor.
Simon was a lifelong music lover and opera fan.