© Musical Fortnight-Iñigo Ibáñez

Conductor Juanjo Mena has expedited his retirement.

In March Mena posted a letter on his website officially announcing his retirement, following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The letter explained that his final bow would take place at the end of 2026. However, it is reported that his Aug. 12 concert at Victoria Eugenia Theatre in San Sebastián was his final appearance.

There have also been reports that he will not conduct the upcoming concerts in Bilbao and Madrid.

Mena has held prestigious positions with Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic, Orchestra del Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa, BBC Philharmonic, and many more. He has conducted operas such as Wagner’s “The Flying Dutchman,” Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin,” many works by Strauss. He has worked with singers such as Renée Fleming, Rod Gilfry, and Marion Cotillard.

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