The conductor Daniel Barenboim has announced that he has a Parkinson’s disease. The 82-year-old musician has not been healthy for several years and resigned from his position as general music director of Berlin State Opera in January 2023. Although he was increasingly frailty, he continued to appear as a conductor occasionally, most recently in London with his West Eastern Divan Orchestra at the Proms 2024 and then in the Royal Festival Hall in November.
“I know that many people were concerned about my health and I was very touched by the support that I received in the past three years. I want to share today that I have Parkinson’s disease, ”he said in a statement published on Thursday. “With a view to the future, I plan to maintain as many of my professional obligations as possible. If I am unable to do it, because my health doesn’t allow me. “
“As always, I consider western leaders Divan Orchestra as the most important responsibility. For me it is important to ensure the long -term stability and development of the orchestra.
Barenboim, who was born in Argentina as the son of Jewish parents, founded the West Eastern Divan Orchestra in 1999 with Palestinian-American academic Edward. The orchestra based in Seville consists of musicians from all over the world – from Egyptian, Iranian, Israeli, Jordanian, Lebanese, Palestinian, Syrian and Hispanic backgrounds.
The musician is a lifelong supporter of the two-state solution for the Israel Palestine conflict and a frequent critic of Israeli government policy.
“You can’t make peace with an orchestra,” said Barenboim in an interview in 2008, “but you can create the conditions for understanding and awaken the curiosity of each individual to hear the story of the other.” The divan was designed as a project against ignorance. It is absolutely important for people to understand what the other thinks and feels without being absolutely agreed. “
His statement continued: “I will continue to carry out the divan if my health allows me. At the same time, I will play an active role to ensure that the divan has the opportunity to work with other excellent conductors in the future. “
“I navigated this new reality and I focus on getting the best available care. I thank everyone for their kindness and good wishes. “