DEBBIE ELLIOTT, host: Just ahead on ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, high art from Italy on its way to the U.S.</s>DEBBIE ELLIOTT, host: First, though, this note from the world of classical music. The Finnish-born conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic is stepping down. Esa-Pekka Salonen will leave his post as music director two years from now to concentrate on composing. Critics say Salonen has made the Los Angeles Philharmonic one of the most adventurous orchestras in the country.</s>DEBBIE ELLIOTT, host: He first conducted the L.A. Philharmonic in 1984 at the age of 26. He was then described as a boy wonder who drew in the crowds with his good looks and flair. When he steps down, Salonen will pass the baton to another boy wonder, 26-year-old Gustavo Dudamel of Venezuela.</s>DEBBIE ELLIOTT, host: You're listening to Esa-Pekka Salonen's composition "L.A. Variations." This is NPR News.
The conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic says he will give up the post to devote more time to his own work. Music critics say the Finnish-born Esa-Pekka Salonen has made the orchestra the most adventurous in the country.