Conductor Daniel Barenboim says he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The 82-year-old issued a statement on Thursday (overnight in Australia) on Instagram.
He has appeared more frail since 2022, cancelling scheduled performances that included a new production of Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Berlin.
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“I know that many people have been concerned about my health,” his statement began.
“I have been very touched by the support I have received over the last three years. I would like to share today that I have Parkinson’s Disease.
“Looking ahead, I am planning to maintain as many of my professional commitments as my health permits.”
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“As ever, I consider the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra my most important responsibility,” his statement continued.
“It is essential for me to ensure the orchestra’s long-term stability and development.
“I will continue to conduct the Divan whenever my health allows me to. At the same time, I will take an active role in ensuring that the Divan has the opportunity of working with excellent conductors going forward.”
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“I have been navigating this new reality of mine and my focus is on receiving the best available care. I thank everyone for their kindness and well-wishes,” he concluded.
A child prodigy pianist who made his Carnegie Hall debut at 1957 at age 14, Barenboim has been chief conductor of the Orchestre de Paris (1975 to 89) and music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (1991 to 2006) and Milan’s Teatro alla Scala (2011 to 14) and general music director of the Berlin State Opera (1992 to 2023).
He founded the West–Eastern Divan Orchestra with academic Edward Said in 1999 to promote understanding between Israelis and Palestinians.
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