Pleading health issues, the legendary pianist’s withdrawal comes on the back of her cancelled Australian debut.

After cancelling her Australian debut to widespread disappointment, legendary pianist Martha Argerich has subsequently withdrawn from a highly anticipated Athens concert, citing serious health issues.

Scheduled to take place on July 15 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Argerich was to have been accompanied by the Athens State Orchestra, joined by rising star and protégé Theodosia Ntokou in Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos. They were also to have performed Saint-Saëns’ Le carnaval des animaux with Argerich’s daughter, French actress Annie Dutoit, acting out the narrative interludes. Milhaud’s Le Bœuf sur le toit and Ravel’s Boléro were also on the programme, as well as selections from Manos Hadjidakis’ The Cursed Serpent, performed by Argerich with special guest Dora Bakopoulou.

The Athens State Orchestra, with the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, have decided to cancel the concert altogether instead of replacing her as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra has done with Yuja Wang. They hope to reschedule at some point in the near future, and have wished the artist a swift recovery.


Yuja Wang performs with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra June 29 – July 1

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