Breaking: Hilary Hahn quits the Berlin Philharmonic US tour

Breaking: Hilary Hahn quits the Berlin Philharmonic US tour

News

norman lebrecht

November 14, 2024

The US violinist has announced she is still struggling after several months to recover from a trapped nerve.

She has been replaced on the Berlin Phil tour at the last minute by the Norwegian Vilde Frang, playing Korngold’s violin concerto at Carnegie Hall. The substitute soloist in Washington and at Ann Arbor, Michigan, will be the US violinist Benjamin Beilman. Beilman has not played with the Berlin Phil before.

Hilary Hahn said: ‘I am extremely disappointed not to be touring with the Berliner Philharmoniker. Unfortunately, healing follows its own timeline, and I have to respect that if I want to be able to play far into the future. I hope to be on the road again very soon, and I deeply appreciate all the support I’ve received during this process. To my colleagues and concertgoers, I am so sorry that I can’t be there with you!’

Comments

  • Michael says:

    Heal well. See you in NYC. Can’t wait!!

  • Gerry Feinsteen says:

    Truly sad news. On the bright side, Vilde Frang is a breathtakingly good violinist. I have heard Benjamin Beilman for years, and his performances will not disappoint!
    He is a good violinist—how many American violinists have debuted with Berlin Philharmonic in recent years?

    Vilde and Benjamin, Bravo!

  • Peter San Diego says:

    All best wishes for a continued — and complete — recovery to Ms. Hahn!

    (In the meantime, the BPO would have done better to program Korngold’s F-sharp symphony in place of his rather treacly fiddle concerto.)

  • Carl says:

    It appears Berlin’s marketing people drummed it into Hilary’s publicist that “we are the Berliner Philharmoniker,” despite what 99% of the English-speaking world calls it.

    Hope she feels better soon at any rate.

  • George Hahn says:

    I sincerely wish Hahn a full recovery. She is the world’s greatest living violinist.

    • Violinophile says:

      George, are you related? The competition is ferocious. Can’t you just say “one of” or “on the highest level”? Why insult the other “greats?” There is not one “greatest” for every piece or every style. Anyway, we love you, Hilary. Take care of yourself. We can wait.

  • Giulietta says:

    Pinched on the left side?
    Stop going to doctors. Do not take their drugs or physical therapy.
    Go seek out an Active Release Therapist. Look into it. Look for the best.

  • Edward Seymour says:

    You are very much missed.

  • Rosina Paul says:

    Very sorry to hear this Ms. Hahn. I hope healing comes soon

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