After announcing last October that he suffers from a neurological illness, Daniel Barenboim reappeared on stage to conduct the traditional New Year’s Concert at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin.

The Argentine-Israeli pianist and conductor took the necessary precautions to once again pick up the baton and conduct Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Done from a chairand rose only when the work was done and ready to receive recognition.

Barenboim canceled several engagements in February and April due to ill health, but his decision last October was more drastic. “Now I have to concentrate as much as possible on my physical well-being‘ he later stressed according to a cable from AFP news agency.

In addition to the concert scheduled for last November 15, the day on which he turned 80, Barenboim had also suspended the premiere of a new Ring of the Nibelung at the same Staatsoper, the direction of which was finally taken over by Christian Thielemann, with whom he shares the passion for Richard Wagner.

Born in Buenos Aires on November 15, 1942 from a Jewish family of Russian origin, it was in this city that he held his first concert when he was just seven years old, but he became a citizen of the world both for the family transhumance and for his talents, performances pianists and his personal and musical activism for peace in the Middle East.

He has currently been Chief Music Director of the Berlin State Opera since 1992 and his contract was recently extended until 2027.

Barenboim, moreover, is kind of “adopted citizen” of Berlin and a moral authority for his fellow citizens, as he often influences social or political debates, as well as being committed to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the Middle East.

Your health statement

In a message written in English and German, the musician specified in October that his health “has deteriorated in recent months”.

“I was diagnosed a serious neurological disease”, confirmed Barenboim, who announced that he will focus as much as possible on his “physical well-being”.

In a reflection posted on his Instagram account, the pianist added: “Music has always been and continues to be an essential and lasting part of my life”.

Furthermore, he added: “I have lived my entire life in and through music, and I will continue to do this as long as my health permits.”.

“Looking back and forth, I am not only happy but deeply satisfied,” he concluded his statement.

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