Renowned Brazilian cellist Antonio Meneses has made the difficult decision to step away from performing and his teaching position at the University of Bern in Switzerland.
In a statement posted on social media, Meneses revealed his recent diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of brain tumor, and shared that he is now under palliative care in Switzerland, surrounded by his loved ones who provide essential support during this challenging time.
Before his illness, the 66-year-old cellist was slated to perform with the Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Fabio Mechetti on October 17 and 18, 2024.
“Fábio Mechetti describes Meneses as ‘not only the greatest Brazilian cellist, but also an absolute example of professionalism, humanism, and devotion to the cause of classical music’,” stated a press release. “We send him comfort, along with his family, and the certainty of the support of his friends and admirers.”
Born in Recife and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Meneses began studying the cello at age ten. At age 11, he joined the Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro, and three years later, he was recruited by the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra.
He gained international acclaim after winning the Tchaikovsky Competition in 1982. He later made recordings with the Berlin Philharmonic and was a member of the esteemed Beaux Arts Trio from 1998 to 2008.
Meneses has also performed with the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and Amsterdam Concertgebouw, collaborating with renowned conductors such as Herbert von Karajan, Claudio Abbado, and Gerd Albrecht.
He has been a regular presence at festivals including the Pablo Casals Festival in Puerto Rico, Salzburg and Vienna Festivals in Austria, Sviatoslav Richter Festival in France, and Prague Festival in the Czech Republic.
