(Berlin) The legendary pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim announced on Tuesday evening that he was suffering from a “serious neurological disease” and that he would withdraw from his activities in the coming months.
Posted yesterday at 4:35 p.m.
“It is with a mixture of pride and sadness that I announce today that I am stepping back from some of my performing activities, particularly management engagements, for the months ahead,” wrote the Israeli-Argentine maestro on Twitter.
“My health has deteriorated over the past few months and I have been diagnosed with a serious neurological disease,” said 79-year-old Barenboim.
“Now I have to focus as much as possible on my physical well-being,” adds the Israeli-Argentine maestro.
Mr. Barenboim had already had to cancel several engagements in February and April due to health problems.
His direction of “The Ring of the Nibelung” by Richard Wagner at the National Opera, scheduled for his 80e anniversary on November 15, had also recently been cancelled.
The maestro has been the musical director of the Berlin State Opera and its orchestra, the Staatskapelle, for three decades and under contract until 2027.
Born in Argentina, Mr. Barenboim started on the international scene as a pianist at the age of 10, before becoming a leading conductor.
In particular, he created a foundation and an orchestra to promote cooperation between young musicians from Israel and Arab countries.