INJURED THUMB ON CONDUCTING HAND MAY REQUIRE OFF-SEASON SURGERYPITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Board Chairman Richard Simmons listed Pittsburgh Pops Conductor Marvin Hamlisch as probable on the injury report released today at his weekly press conference. “He’s got a problem with the thumb on his conducting hand,” said Simmons. When pressed by reporters to be more specific, Simmons would not go into details. “I don’t think it would serve any purpose,” he said. “He’s conducting. What difference does it make?” Speaking to the media after an afternoon workout at the Symphony’s indoor practice facility yesterday, Hamlisch conceded he was having difficulty gripping the baton. “But I’ll be ready for the concert. That’s why we have trainers. I’ll tape it up and make the best of it.” Hamlisch refused to confirm that his thumb was fractured. “You know I can’t comment on that.”
Hamlisch, who underwent “Tommy John” surgery two years ago to repair a torn rotator cuff sustained during a particularly vigorous Prokoviev recital, may require off-season surgery to repair his damaged thumb. Symphony officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there was a growing concern within the organization about Hamlisch’s durability. If Hamlisch is unable to conduct, back-up conductor Daniel Meyer, often seen in the orchestra pit wearing a baseball cap and holding a clipboard of sheet music, would likely get the start. Meyer started the third show of the season and looked shaky. He fumbled the baton three times, the last coming at a crucial moment in the third movement of a Beethoven piano concerto. Afterward, some patrons were so outraged about his performance that they dumped garbage on his front lawn. Meyer knows the fans will expect better if he is pressed into service this week, and he’s prepared to deliver. “I’m a professional. I want to start. I’ve got to make the most of my opportunities.”
