Celebrated Jewish conductor confirms ‘serious’ medical condition

The celebrated Jewish pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim has announced that he is stepping back from performing, after being diagnosed with a “serious neurological condition.”

‘It is with a combination of pride and sadness that I announce today that I am taking a step back from some of my performing activities, especially conducting engagements, for the coming months”, Barenboim confirmed on Twitter.

He added:”My health has deteriorated over the last months.

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“I must now focus on my physical well-being. I have lived all my life in and through music, and I will continue to do so as long as my health allows me to.”

Born in Argentina in 1942, to Jewish parents.Barenboim, 79, is renowned for his brilliant piano renditions of Beethoven and Schubert.

As a conductor his direction of masterpieces by Wagner and Elgar received universal acclaim.

In Israel he was at he centre of the debate around whether Wagner’s music should be performed because of the composers link to the Nazis and his antisemitic writings.

A decision to eventually perform Wagner in Jerusalem sparked controversy in 2001, with audience members who objected offered the chance to leave the venue by Barenboim.

A small number inside the venue left.

But in a 2012 interview in Germany, he sparked further controversy, saying:” “It saddens me that official Israel so doggedly refuses to allow Wagner to be performed – as was the case, once again, at the University of Tel Aviv two weeks ago – because I see it as a symptom of a disease.

“The words I’m about to use are harsh, but I choose them deliberately: There is a politicisation of the remembrance of the Holocaust in Israel, and that’s terrible.”

Barenboim and British cellistJacqueline du Pre’ were married in Jerusalem at a Western Wallceremony after du Pré converted to Judaism.

The marriage lasted until du Pré’s death in 1987.

Barenboim has also attempted to impact on the conflict between Israel and Arab states in the Middle East.

His musical ensemble West-`Eastern Divan Orchestra brought together young Israeli and Arab performers.

He was also an outspoken critic of Israel’s occupation of territory in the West Bank.

In May 2011, Barenboim conducted the “Orchestra for Gaza” composed of volunteers from the Berlin Philharmonic, the Berlin Staatskapelle, the Orchestra of La Scala in Milan, the Vienna Philharmonic and the Orchestre de Paris.

Barenboim later said: “Everyone has to understand that the Palestinian cause is a just cause therefore it can be only given justice if it is achieved without violence. Violence can only weaken the righteousness of the Palestinian cause”.

Barenboim’s parents moved to Israel themselves when he was 10 years old.

But Barenboim later in his life announced he was the first person to hold Palestinian and Israeli citizenship simultaneously. He lives in Berlin

Sir Simon Rattle, musical director with the London Symphony Orchestra said he could not think of any classical musician “who has not been influenced by Daniel.”

Barenboim had previously cancelled a series of concerts earlier in 2022, citing health reasons.