06-02-2025
Celebrated conductor Daniel Barenboim reveals Parkinson's diagnosis
Star classical conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim publicly revealed on Thursday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Barenboim, a renowned Berlin-based musician, has been unable to perform for some time due to illness.
"I would like to announce today that I have Parkinson's disease," Barenboim, 82, wrote in a personal statement. "I know that many people have been concerned about my health and I am touched by the support I have received over the past three years."
Parkinson's is a nerve-related movement disorder that mainly affects older people. Looking to the future, Barenboim said he plans to maintain as many of his professional commitments as possible.
Barenboim was born in Argentina, grew up partly in Israel and as a young prodigy also trained in Austria and France.
He is the long-serving general music director of the Berlin State Opera, where he leads the opera's resident Staatskapelle orchestra. He has been credited with building the orchestra's international reputation under his direction.
He handed over the musical direction of the Berlin State Opera at the beginning of 2023 due to ill health to his successor, Christian Thielemann.
"If I am not able to perform, it is because my health does not allow me to," he wrote in his statement.
He said he has come to terms with his new reality and is concentrating on receiving the best possible treatment.
The pianist is also known for his extensive recordings, guest appearances with major orchestras around the world, and co-founding the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, an ensemble made up of young musicians from Israel and Arab countries.
Barenboim said he considers the orchestra to be his "most important responsibility" and that its "long-term stability and development" remains a priority.
