Daniel Barenboim Announces Parkinson's Diagnosis

The pianist and conductor revealed that he has Parkinson's disease on his social media this week

One of the foremost musicians of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, Daniel Barenboim served as the general music director at the Berlin State Opera since 1992, among several other prestigious directorships. Alongside Edward Said, he is the co-founder of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which promotes friendship and collegiality between Israel and Arab nations.

In 2022, he cut back on his performance schedule after developing a "serious neurological condition." This week, he shared on social media that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

"I know that many people have been concerned about my health," he wrote on Instagram. "I have been very touched by the support I have received over the last three years. I would like to share today that I have Parkinson’s Disease. Looking ahead, I am planning to maintain as many of my professional commitments as my health permits.

"As ever, I consider the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra my most important responsibility," he continued. "It is essential for me to ensure the orchestra’s long-term stability and development. I will continue to conduct the Divan whenever my health allows me to. At the same time, I will take an active role in ensuring that the Divan has the opportunity of working with excellent conductors going forward.

"I have been navigating this new reality of mine and my focus is on receiving the best available care. I thank everyone for their kindness and well-wishes," he concluded.

The Violin Channel wishes to extend our well wishes to Mr. Barenboim.