Finger injury ends top violinist’s career at 62
NewsThe popular Quebec violinist Angèle Dubeau has been forced to give up playing by a persistent hand injury.
She says: ‘For as long as I can remember, music has been a part of my life. Through it, I expressed myself, traveled, and found daily nourishment. My violin has been a faithful companion since the age of four. It colored my world and, even more than words, became my primary means of expression.
‘However, I now find myself having to learn how to live without my violin. With a heavy heart, I must accept that I can no longer physically play it. My right hand, specifically my index finger—the master of the bow—has lost its sensitivity and is permanently numb. For 58 years, I have applied pressure and precision to the same spot. The nerve has become worn and severely damaged.
‘To my dear audience, thank you for all the moments we’ve shared. I sincerely hope my music continues to touch you through my 48 albums.’
So sorry to hear this. I loved Angele’s Vivaldi recording with her ensemble La Pieta.
Best wishes,
Daniel
My heart goes out to Angèle. Nobody deserves this. Sometimes fate betrays us, and options are few. If any.
Such sad news! 62 is not old for a violinist, although playing since the age of 4 is a long time to maintain the bow hold.
Ugh! My heart! What terrible and inevitable ending to an illustrious career! Thanks for the joy and thank you for the music!
Very bad news. A hand injury is no joke for a violinist.
This is heartbreaking. Her recordings with La Pieta have been consistently excellent. A loss for us all.
There are Feldenkrais practitioners in Montreal and Quebec city who quite possibly could help Angela‘s nerve problem regenerate and get her playing again. She should look into it.
Try DMSO.
Don’t give up! I had the same problem for years because of a pinched nerve. Then two years ago I suffered a stroke on my left side which further contributed to the numbness. My therapists showed me how to use the violin to restore facility. You have many years of muscle memory to guide you. Take some time off, rest, and start back. Good luck!
In Québec, Angèle Dubeau is so appreciated that her retirement is the Headline of the most popular Newspaper. It is normally a cover reserved to the Hockey players, main politician, and Rock stars.
It is the first time I see that for a classical musician since Charles Dutoit left abruptely the Montréal Symphony in 2002.
Angele, so sorry to hear. You are also a conductor, aren’t you? If not, you should become one, and let the players be your instrument. I am sure you would be successful. Best of luck.
Doesn’t have to be the end of music.
This is how violinists begin conducting careers.
Have had many hours of pleasure listening to you and Pieta over the years. Thank you is not enough.
https://www.nyphysicaltherapist.com/ Shmuel Tatz has helped the world’s greatest instrumentalists with physical problems. Ms. Dubeau would do well to consult with him!
A message to Angĕle- so sorry to hear this. I sincerely hope that you can find something to replace this. Could you play the piano or another instrument?