Pires, 79, is grounded
NewsMessage from the pianist Maria Joao Pires:
I am truly sorry to share that I have to cancel my upcoming concerts in Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, and Chile, set for this October and early November. My doctor strongly advises me against long-haul flights for the next few weeks, and I must follow this guidance for my well-being.
I was really looking forward to sharing my music with audiences in South America, and your understanding and support mean a lot to me. During this time, I will need to take a break to recharge, and I hope to be back on stage as planned later in November 2023.
It seems only yesterday that she was ready to retire.
“I was really looking forward to sharing my music with audiences in South America”
Has she started composing? Exciting.
All the best for her recovery, btw.
I would say Pires is one of the two greatest living pianists (the other being Krystian Zimerman), and hope that she will be able to travel to London for her Wigmore Hall appearance scheduled in early-2024.
What about Alfred Brendel?!
As world-class concert pianists go, Ms Pires has long impressed me as a true “natural” (yes like the Robert Redford baseball movie) with regards to her ease in playing, and yet most persuasive interpretations.
Similarly, in comparison to her perhaps bigger-name colleagues with flights of artistic temperament, she presents as simply belonging there on the stage, holding her place with inarguable authority – with a dash of demure pixie charm.
Hemingway would call her, a “true gen”.
The woman has given us a dedicated artistic life full of remarkable recordings and astonishing live performances – with such grace and apparently effortless elegance.
If she needs time, Good God, let her have it!
A big hug and wishes for a speedy recovery dear Maria
She is one of the great artists of the last 50 years.
What a beautiful picture of movement and humility. Would expect nothing less from a great artist.
Get well soon, Maria!