The American violinist promises to return to performing shortly
US violinist Hilary Hahn has recently undergone surgery, following months of postponed concerts due to injury. She shared details of the operation and her experience in a post on social media:
Dear friends, colleagues, and fans,
Thank you for your patience and support while I have navigated injury over the past couple of concert seasons. I am still healing in many ways, but I will shortly return to the stage!
As I’ve mentioned, I had pinched nerves that I was trying to preserve and rehabilitate. The first time one of my cervical spinal discs herniated a year and a half ago, I recovered. It was debilitating: I had muscle atrophy as well as ongoing nerve stress. It was not easy to return to performances, but it was the right choice for me, then.
This past summer, that same disc herniated again; it compressed nearly all of my remaining nerve space. It was immediately clear that I needed to pursue more aggressive treatment. Thanks to a phenomenal surgeon (who used to play the violin!), I am now the proud owner of an artificial disc. My career has a future again, my neck has healthier alignment than before, and I am pain free.
Surgery brings longer-term recovery consequences, and of course one can’t know the future. The prognosis is really good, and I’m grateful to the medical professionals who made this possible. The fact that my quality of life has returned is something I will never take for granted. At this point, I’m working on getting my strength and micro-coordination back while allowing the nerves to get their bearings again.
You may notice me wearing scarves from time to time; I have a surgical scar on my neck that I want to protect while healing, both in daily life and onstage. Maybe it’s a style I’ll keep around for a while!
Much love and appreciation to all of you,
Hilary
Due to a double pinched nerve injury, Hahn withdrew from all performances in July 2024 through to February 2025. She then had to withdraw from her BBC Proms performance in August and, despite intending to return to the stage in November, ultimately cancelled her remaining performances through 2025.
The Strad wishes Hahn a swift and successful recovery.
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