Daniel Barenboim Cancels Performances at the Berlin State Opera

Barenboim will be replaced by Philippe Jordan at the performances on November 25 and 26

Conductor Daniel Barenboim, who has been struggling with his health for some time, has withdrawn from concerts at the Staatsoper Berlin on November 25 and 26. The Swiss conductor Philippe Jordan, who is a former Kapellmeister of the Berlin Staatskapelle and Barenboim's assistant from 1998 to 2002, will step in to lead the performances.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to professional pianist parents, Barenboim made his public debut at age seven and his international debut at age 10. He went on to become an acclaimed concert pianist and conductor. In 1991, Barenboim became music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, succeeding Sir Georg Solti, and a year later, his tenure with the Berlin State Opera bolstered his global influence as he completed international tours and made award-winning recordings.

Barenboim has cultivated a position as one of the foremost musicians of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Alongside Edward Said, he is the co-founder of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which promotes friendship and collegiality between Israel and the Arab nations.

He recently became Honorary Chief Conductor of the Berlin Staatsoper following 30 years with the company and was succeeded by Christian Thielemann.

"Unfortunately, Daniel Barenboim had to cancel conducting the Abonnementkonzert tonight at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden and tomorrow night at the Philharmonie Berlin for health reasons," the company said in a statement.

"As General Music Director, he played a key role in shaping the Staatskapelle for more than three decades, and together they gave more than 1,600 performances. We are delighted that the former conductor of the Staatskapelle Berlin and proven Wagner specialist Philippe Jordan will be conducting the two concerts."

The Violin Channel would like to extend well wishes to Mr. Barenboim during this time.

(PC: Ivan Maly)