The San Diego Symphony said Monday that...

The San Diego Symphony said Monday that Michael Palmer will replace Thomas Fulton as conductor of its Dec. 16 and 18 performances of Handel’s “Messiah” with the San Diego Master Chorale. Fulton canceled for medical reasons, according to symphony spokesman Les Smith. Palmer is music director designate of the New Haven Symphony and music director of the Wichita Symphony. Since the “Messiah” programs were announced earlier this year, Palmer is the fourth conductor slated to direct the Handel oratorio. Palmer was a guest conductor with the San Diego Symphony in 1980 and 1983.