Barenboim will cancel some of his activities due to a nervous illness

This content was published on Oct 04, 2022 – 20:34
October 04, 2022 – 20:34

(AFP)

Argentine-Israeli pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim announced Tuesday that he suffers from a “serious neurological illness” and that he will withdraw from part of his activities in the coming months.

“It is with a mixture of pride and sadness that I announce today that I will be stepping away from some of my business activities, especially directed commitments, for the next few months,” he wrote on Twitter.

“My health has deteriorated in recent months and I have been diagnosed with a serious neurological disease,” declared Barenboim, 79. “Now I must focus on my physical safety as much as possible,” he added.

Barenboim had already had to cancel several commitments in February and April due to health issues.

The maestro has been the musical director of the Berlin State Opera and its Staatskapelle orchestra for three decades and has a contract until 2027.

Born in Argentina, Barenboim made his world debut as a pianist at the age of 10, before becoming a famous conductor.

He also established a foundation and an orchestra to promote cooperation between young musicians from Israel and Arab countries.