Brazilian Cellist Antonio Meneses Steps Down From Performing Due to Illness

Meneses has announced that he will be receiving palliative care for an aggressive type of brain tumor

The acclaimed Brazilian cellist Antonio Meneses has announced that he will be stepping down from performing and his role as a teacher at Switzerland’s University of Bern, reported Estado de Minas.

According to a statement on social media, he was recently diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive type of brain tumor, and will be receiving palliative care. 

“Meneses is currently receiving palliative care in Switzerland, where he lives, alongside his family and friends, who have been an important source of comfort at such a difficult time,” read the statement.

Prior to his diagnosis, the 66-year-old was scheduled to perform with the Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Fabio Mechetti on October 17 and 18, 2024.

“Antonio Meneses is not only the greatest Brazilian cellist, but also an absolute example of professionalism, humanism and devotion to the cause of classical music,” said Mechetti according to Estado de Minas. “We wish him comfort at this time with his family and the certainty of the support of his friends and admirers.”

Born in Recife and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Meneses began cello studies at age 10. He joined the Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro at age 11 and three years later, was hired by the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra.

He achieved worldwide recognition when he won the Tchaikovsky Competition in 1982. He later recorded with the Berlin Philharmonic and was a member of the prestigious Beaux Arts Trio from 1998 to 2008. 

Additionally, Meneses has performed with the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony, New York Philharmonic, and the Amsterdam Concertgebouw; plus, collaborated with conductors such as Herbert von Karajan, Claudio Abbado, and Gerd Albrecht. 

His regular festival appearances have included the Pablo Casals in Puerto Rico; Salzburg and Vienna in Austria; Sviatoslav Richter in France; and Prague in the Czech Republic.

The Violin Channel sends Mr. Meneses, and his family and friends, well wishes.