Herbert Blomstedt has revealed that a serious infection contracted while conducting in San Francisco in May will keep him away from the podium for several months, providing the first explanation for a series of high-profile cancellations that have raised concern about the health of one of classical music’s most revered conductors.
The 98-year-old Swedish maestro shared the update in a message published by the NHK Symphony Orchestra after withdrawing from his scheduled appearances in Tokyo this October.
“I am so sorry that I cannot come to play with my dear orchestra in Tokyo,” Blomstedt wrote. “When conducting in May in San Francisco I was struck by a serious infection that will take several months to overcome.”
The announcement confirms, for the first time, the cause behind several recent withdrawals that had previously been attributed only to health reasons.
Blomstedt was due to conduct the NHK Symphony Orchestra’s Subscription Concerts on 17 and 18 October, as well as the opening concert of the orchestra’s Brahms Symphony Cycle on 30 October. The Japanese orchestra published the conductor’s personal message to audiences after announcing his withdrawal.
Despite acknowledging that his recovery will take time, Blomstedt struck an optimistic note.
“But – be of good courage – the great music of Beethoven, Brahms and Bruckner will always remain for our enjoyment,” he wrote. “I will be with you in spirit, and will never forget you. Thank you for all you have been to me.”
The statement provides important context to an episode that began in May, when Blomstedt became unwell during a performance of Mahler’s Ninth Symphony with the San Francisco Symphony. After arriving at the hall feeling fatigued and undergoing precautionary medical evaluation before the concert, he completed the performance despite visibly struggling, at one point continuing the concert while seated in an armchair brought onto the stage. On medical advice, he subsequently withdrew from the remaining performances, which were conducted by David Robertson.
In the weeks that followed, Blomstedt also cancelled appearances with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and, more recently, a special concert planned by the Bamberg Symphony to celebrate his 99th birthday in July. Those withdrawals were announced only as being for health reasons, without further explanation.
Born on 11 July 1927, Blomstedt remains one of the most admired figures in classical music. Even in his late nineties he has maintained an active international conducting schedule, appearing regularly with leading orchestras around the world, including the NHK Symphony Orchestra, where he has long enjoyed a particularly close relationship as Honorary Conductor.
His latest message suggests he intends to return once his recovery is complete, offering reassurance rather than farewell. For now, however, audiences will have to wait a little longer before seeing one of the world’s oldest active conductors back on the podium.
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