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Conductor Juanjo Mena, former Cincinnati festival head, to retire because of Alzheimer’s disease

The 60-year-old conductor announced Friday he will retire this year due to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, stating, 'the time has come to say goodbye to my work on the podium.'
During his 40-year career, Mena led the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, and Cincinnati May Festival and expressed gratitude for the "honor and pleasure of working" with musicians.
His resume includes leading ensembles like the Berlin Philharmonic and Boston Symphony, among others, reflecting his extensive orchestral experience.
The agency confirmed Mena will still conduct performances, including with the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra on March 21 and 22, despite his diagnosis.
The conductor hopes to turn his remaining appearances into an expression of gratitude, as he wrote that 'every score has an ending' in his farewell message.

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Former Cincinnati festival head to retire because of Alzheimer's disease

He will conduct select performances, including the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra on March 21 and 22.

6 hours ago·United States

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Conductor Juanjo Mena, former Cincinnati festival head, to retire

Conductor Juanjo Mena, the former principal conductor of the Cincinnati May Festival, said he will retire this year because of Alzheimer’s disease. Mena announced the diagnosis in January 2025 and said in a public letter Friday that the disease has progressed. “My situation is different than it was a year ago and it calls for some important decisions to be made,” the 60-year-old wrote in the letter, released by the agency IMG Artists. “I now fee…

19 hours ago·Warren, United States

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