The Munich Philharmonic has announced that Hilary Hahn will not perform in their upcoming concerts due to a nerve injury. This change affects the performances scheduled for January 29 and 30 in Munich, as well as the orchestra’s tour of Spain and the Canary Islands in early February.
To ensure the concerts proceed as planned, the orchestra has confirmed two replacements. Clara-Jumi Kang will step in for the Munich concerts, while Esther Yoo will perform during the tour. The repertoire, featuring Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, remains unchanged.
The orchestra shared the news in a statement:
“We are very sorry to announce that Hilary Hahn had to cancel her engagements with us due to a nerve injury, which affects our concerts in Munich as well as the following tour to Spain and the Canary Islands. But no worries – our concerts will take place thanks to these two outstanding young violinists: Clara-Jumi Kang will take over the concerts on January 29 & 30 in Munich, and Esther Yoo our tour on February 2/3/5/7/8 to Spain and the Canary Islands. The repertoire remains unchanged with Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, and we are so much looking forward to our upcoming concerts! Dear Hilary, please get well soon, and dear Clara and Esther, see you next week.”
This is not the first time Hahn has canceled performances due to her health. Last year, she revealed on social media that she was managing a double pinched nerve, which required her to withdraw from concerts during the summer and early fall. In a post from July 2024, she shared:
“As you may already know, I am suffering from a double pinched nerve and have been focused on a safe and sustainable path to recovery with my medical team. Unfortunately, that means no violin for the rest of the summer! … I so appreciate all of the support I’ve received from our community. I’ve missed you all this summer, and I can’t wait for the day we can all share music together again.”
Clara-Jumi Kang, who will perform in Munich, is an acclaimed violinist and first-prize winner at the Sendai International Violin Competition. Esther Yoo, who takes over for the tour, is celebrated for her artistry and is a laureate of the International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition.
The Munich Philharmonic expressed their anticipation for the upcoming performances and conveyed well wishes to Hilary Hahn for a full recovery.
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