The 62-year-old has suffered from a ‘worn and severely damaged’ nerve in her right index finger, but plans to channel experience from her performance career into future projects
The Canadian violinist Angèle Dubeau has announced the end of her performing career, due to a nerve injury in her right index finger.
Dubeau shared the news on her website with a ‘heavy heart’ that she is faced with the physical inability to play the violin.
’My right hand, specifically my index finger—the master of the bow—has lost its sensitivity and is permanently numb. For 58 years, I have applied pressure and precision to the same spot.
’The nerve has become worn and severely damaged.’
Dubeau was thankful for the moments she has shared with her audience.
’I sincerely hope my music continues to touch you through my 48 albums. What brings me comfort during this difficult time is knowing that my music will remain a part of your lives, in both the small and the grand moments.
’As for me, I will always be a woman of passion, a creator of beauty, and I will strive to continue bringing hearts and people together. I will channel my creative spirit, energy, and wealth of knowledge into future projects. And I leave you with a sentiment I have always held dear, which remains my guiding principle: Music is for everyone.’
Dubeau began playing the violin at the age of four, and enjoyed a career spanning over 45 years. She received a master’s degree from the Montreal Conservatory of Music at the age of 15, studying with Raymond Dssaisnts, followed by a master’s in chamber music at age 16. She studied at the Juilliard School in New York City with Dorothy Delay, followed by studies in Romania from 1981 to 1984 with Stefan Gheorghiu.
She won numerous national and international competitions, and embarked on a performance career. She founded La Pietà in 1997, an all-female string ensemble which toured the world.
She received many honours throughout her career, including being made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1996, Knight of the National Order of Quebec in 2004, and most recently the 2022 Medal of the National Assembly, Quebec and was inducted into the CBC Radio In Concert Hall of Fame in 2023.
Dubeau recorded for the Analekta label. She received the largest number of Félix - Album of the Year Awards since the award’s inception, over all categories.
She played on the 1733 ‘Des Rosiers’ Stradivari violin.
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