Juanjo Mena shares his battle against Alzheimer’s and his love for music.

Juanjo Mena, an emblematic name in the world of classical music, has made a touching announcement that has resonated in the hearts of many. In an emotional video, the 59-year-old renowned conductor revealed that he is suffering from Alzheimer's, a disease that, although in its early stages, presents him with a unique and personal challenge. “I have conducted many scores in my life, and the one I am facing now is surely the most difficult of all,” Mena stated, demonstrating his courage in confronting this new and tough phase.

Despite the news, Mena remains optimistic and determined. Over the past year, he has not reduced his professional activity and has decided to continue with his artistic commitments this season. “I have a lot of spirit and strength to keep going,” he expressed, highlighting music as his great ally in this new battle. According to him, music is not only his passion but also the engine that activates his neurons at a time when he needs it most. For Mena, music and his family become the best treatment for facing the future.

Juanjo Mena's career is a testament to dedication and talent. Born in Vitoria, his career took off after he met a teacher in his childhood who awakened his musical vocation. His decision not to continue as a countertenor, leaving that path for his brother Carlos, was the first step in a career that would lead him to become one of the most recognized conductors internationally. From his beginnings in the choir to his training at the conservatories of Vitoria and Madrid, Mena has worked tirelessly to perfect his art.

Throughout his career, he has alternated between Baroque repertoires and contemporary works, enriching his versatility as a conductor. His time studying under renowned masters, such as Sergiu Celebidache, allowed him to gain a profound insight into music, considering it not just a sound but an aesthetic experience that transcends the tangible. These lessons have influenced his conducting style and the way he interacts with the musicians under his baton.

Mena began to stand out internationally from his role as principal conductor of the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra in 1999. Since then, his career has been a continuous rise, conducting orchestras and participating in renowned festivals in Europe and the United States. His debut with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in 2004 marked a milestone in his career, opening doors to new opportunities and consolidating his reputation in the world of classical music.

One of the most notable achievements of his career was his debut in 2016 with the Berlin Philharmonic, a feat that very few Spanish conductors have accomplished throughout history. This fact highlights the importance of his figure in the musical field and the impact he has had on the development of orchestral conducting in Spain. Mena has shown that it is possible to reach a level of excellence and recognition in a field that has traditionally been dominated by musicians from other nationalities.

In addition to his work in Europe and the United States, Mena maintains a constant relationship with the NHK Symphony Orchestra in Tokyo, as well as with the Euskadi Symphony Orchestra and the National Orchestra in Spain. His commitment to these orchestras has endured over three decades, solidifying his place in the history of classical music in our country.

Mena's announcement about his illness has generated a wave of support and solidarity among colleagues, musicians, and music lovers. His ability to face adversity with dignity and optimism is an inspiring example for all, not only in the artistic realm but also in everyday life. Music, as he himself has said, will be his best therapy, and his story serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of challenges.

The legacy of Juanjo Mena in music is undeniable, and his willingness to continue conducting despite his diagnosis resonates as an act of bravery. As he faces this new score in his life, Mena becomes a symbol of resilience and passion, demonstrating that music can be a refuge and a source of hope even in the most difficult moments. His journey does not end here; in fact, it could just be the beginning of a new chapter filled with meaning and beauty.