An elegant French violinist lays down his bow
mainMaurice Hasson will end his career on Friday night at the Wigmore Hall, playing works by Fauré, Debussy, Franck and Ravel with the pianist Tadashi Imai.
Hasson, who turned 80 last July, spent 13 years in Venezuela, returning to live in London in 1973. He has made multiple recordings, among them the Bach double concerto with his teacher Henryk Szeryng, the first Paganini concerto and plenty more on Philips and Decca mostly with Neville Marriner’s Academy.
He has refused honours from the present Venezuelan regime.
We wish Maurice a long and happy retirement.
NB recital is this Friday, 17th, not tomorrow
Maurice is one of the most committed, passionate, meticulous and devoted artists that I have ever met. As well as being a close personal friend, we have been musical partners sharing the stage a few, wonderful times. I’ve enjoyed every minute of his exquisite music making and his wonderful sense of humor. His discipline and absolute surrender to his art and the perfection of it, has always been an inspiration to me and to many. My respect and love for him has only grown observing his very dignified stance against the Venezuelan regime. Maurice was born French, but his heart is Venezuelan. He adores that beautiful, pained country, and we have cried together devastated by the loss of it. I am sure it is a huge sacrifice for him to announce his retirement from the stage. Those of us who have known and heard him, will forever be inspired by his great quality as a musician and as a human being. Thank you for all you have given us, Maurice!