Portuguese pianist Maria João Pires has ruled out the possibility of a farewell concert, saying she has no plans to return to the stage after receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Évora.
The 81-year-old pianist made the remarks following a ceremony on May 27 in which she was awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the Portuguese institution in recognition of her artistic achievements and contributions to culture.
Asked whether she might return for a final public appearance, Pires gave a clear answer: “Concerts, no.” However, she left open the possibility of making future studio recordings, stating that she could return “to make some recordings.”
The comments come less than a year after Pires announced her decision to retire from public performance. One of the most respected pianists of her generation, she has built an international career spanning more than six decades, with acclaimed recordings of works by composers including Mozart, Schubert, Chopin, and Beethoven.
During the ceremony in Évora, Pires also reflected on broader cultural and social issues, speaking about education, democracy, and the impact of artificial intelligence. She emphasized the importance of developing critical thinking and preserving human values in an increasingly technological world.
Born in Lisbon in 1944, Pires made her public debut as a child and went on to perform with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors. Beyond her concert career, she has been widely recognized for her educational initiatives and her commitment to nurturing young musicians.
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