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Basque Conductor Juanjo Mena to Retire in 2026 as Alzheimer’s Advances

He cites advancing symptoms to set a celebratory 2026 farewell series.

Overview

  • Juanjo Mena announced via an official communiqué that concerts in 2026 will be his final appearances on the podium.
  • One farewell date is planned at the Quincena Musical de Donostia, according to local reporting.
  • He is expected to make a likely final appearance in Madrid late in 2026, with outlets reporting Beethoven’s Ninth as the projected program.
  • The 60-year-old disclosed his Alzheimer’s diagnosis about fourteen months ago and says the disease has progressed since then.
  • Coverage notes that earlier-onset Alzheimer’s can advance more rapidly, a context cited in explaining his decision to set a defined farewell period.