Pianist Maria João Pires Steps Away from Performing Due to Health Reasons

Pires says that due to a cerebrovascular condition, she will not be performing until she recovers

The three-time GRAMMY-nominated pianist Maria João Pires has told her followers that she will be stepping away from the stage until she recovers from a cerebrovascular health issue. 

“Dear friends, I regret to inform you that I will have to step away from the stage for some time,” Pires on Facebook. “A cerebrovascular health issue has arisen, which I see as a sign — perhaps a warning.

“I will devote this period to rediscovering the balance between body and spirit, and to finding joy in retreating, reading, meditating, and learning from the lessons life wishes to teach me,” she continued. “I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your patience, your support, and your comforting words.”

Born in Lisbon in 1944, Pires gave her first public piano performance at age four. She later studied at the Lisbon Conservatory with Campos Coelho and Francine Benoit. 

At age 17, she received a scholarship to study in Germany with Rosl Schmid and Karl Engel, and launched her international career with recital debuts at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall in 1986, and at Carnegie Hall in 1989. 

She has since released recordings for the Erato label for 15 years and with Deutsche Grammophon for 25 years. 

In 1999, she created the Belgais Centre for the Study of the Arts in Portugal, where she developed choirs for children from rural backgrounds. In 2012, she formed the Partitura Choirs for children from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. 

Her awards include first prize at the 1970 International Beethoven Competition, UNESCO’s International Music Council prize, the 1989 Pessoa Prize, and most recently, Japan’s prestigious Praemium Imperiale Award. 

Wishing Ms. Pires a speedy and restful recovery!