Pianist Sir András Schiff Cancels U.S. Appearances for 2025-2026 Season

The pianist and conductor has cancelled his concerts in the United States in response to political changes in the country

Sir András Schiff has announced today that he will cancel a recital tour scheduled for October 2025 and orchestral engagements with the Philadelphia Orchestra and New York Philharmonic, scheduled for May 2026.

"Due to the recent and unprecedented political changes in the United States, I feel morally obligated to withdraw from all engagements in the U.S. for the 2025-26 season," Schiff wrote in a statement.

"This is not an easy decision to make. Since the 1970’s the U.S. has been very important in my life, including the many years I lived in New York City. There have been hundreds of concerts and wonderful experiences with excellent orchestras and musicians. Some of my closest friends live in the States. I have a great deal for which to be thankful.

"Some people might say, 'just shut up and play.' I cannot, in good conscience, do that. We do not live in an ivory tower where the arts are untouched by society. Arts and politics, arts and society are inseparable. Therefore, as artists, we must react to the horrors and injustices of this world. Have we learned nothing from the course of history - - as recently as Europe in the 1930s? Perhaps not.

"The American people have spoken – and we have heard them. Yes, indeed, there is a “new sheriff in town.” Which has made it a very different “town” -- one that some of us no longer wish to visit. It is no longer obligatory.

"Thank you for your friendship and continued support. Let’s not give up hope for better times," he concluded.

Born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1953, Sir András studied piano at the Liszt Ferenc Academy with Pal Kadosa, György Kurtág, and Ferenc Rados; and in London with George Malcolm.

Throughout his career, he has performed cycles of complete Beethoven sonatas and the complete works of J.S. Bach, Haydn, Schubert, and Bartók. Having collaborated with the world’s leading orchestras and conductors, he now focuses primarily on solo recitals, play-conducting appearances, and exclusive conducting projects.

With a prolific discography, he established an exclusive relationship in 1997 with producer Manfred Eicher and ECM New Series.

He has received multiple honors including the International Mozarteum Foundation’s Golden Medal, Germany’s Great Cross of Merit with Star, the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Gold Medal, a Knighthood for Services to Music, and a Doctorate from the Royal College of Music.