Pianist Martha Argerich Cancels Performances Due to Ill Health

Declining health has seen the 81-year-old pianist withdraw from all her concerts until further notice

Due to a heart-related health condition, Martha Argerich canceled three concerts last week in Lyon, France, with Israeli cellist Mischa Maisky. According to Radio Classique, Argentinian pianist Sergio Tiempo stepped in for her on short notice.

She has additionally withdrawn from performances, including a series scheduled this week in Rome, Italy, with the Santa Cecilia Academy directed by Sir Antonio Pappano.

“With great regret, the pianist Martha Argerich has announced that [she] will not be able to perform,” the Academy wrote on its website. “[She] will be replaced by the Icelandic pianist Vikingur Ólafsson, whom the Academy thanks for agreeing to perform on such short notice.”

Pianists stepping in for Argerich for Santa Cecilia Academy’s Europe tour between January 23 and February 4, 2023, will include Ólafsson and Seong-Jin Cho.

These cancellations follow those made in late 2022 by Argerich, also due to ill health. As stated in The New York Times, the Argentine pianist returned to the stage earlier this month alongside Daniel Barenboim with the Berlin Philharmonic for three concerts.

We wish Ms. Argerich good health and a restful start to her New Year.