Barenboim cancels piano concert in Monaco, citing health

MILAN (AP) – Principal pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim has canceled a piano recital at the Opera de Monte-Carlo because of the effects of a serious neurological condition, the opera house announced Wednesday.

Barenboim expressed regret in a message to the audience that “despite my best efforts, I haven’t yet built up the muscle strength to perform a piano recital.”

Barenboim was diagnosed with the disease last year, which forced him to step down as music director at the Berlin State Opera in January after three decades.

The 80-year-old musician has returned to operating, and said his health “has improved a lot over the past weeks.” He conducted three concerts last month at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan and two with the Berlin State Opera.

He said he was saddened by the cancellation, but added that, with his health improving, “I am very much ready to return to the Opera de Monte-Carlo at the first possible opportunity, whether as a pianist or conductor”. be in form.”

The director of the opera house, Cecilia Bartoli, said Friday’s concert was planned in honor of Barenboim’s 80th birthday on 15 November. Violinist Maxim Vengerov will step in, playing music by Beethoven, Franck and Tchaikovsky, accompanied by pianist Rustem Sitkolov.