By THOMAS ADAMSON, Associated Press
PARIS (AP) — The legendary former director of the New York Philharmonic, Kurt Masur, is recovering from injuries in hospital, after he fell off a podium during a concert in the French capital.
The 84-year-old, who was conducting the National Orchestra of France, lost balance during a movement of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6.
The orchestra's website says he's expected to be released soon, following overnight tests.
In a statement Friday, President Nicolas Sarkozy sent his best wishes, calling the German-born Masur a "legendary musician."
Sarkozy also recalled the conductor's political engagement, and his "historic role" in helping reconciliation between East and West Germany at the time of the Iron Curtain.
Masur has been honorary musical director at the Paris-based orchestra since 2008.
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