We have thousands of human-written stories, discussions, interviews and reviews from today through the past 20+ years. Find them here:

Search the site Search

Hilary Hahn Announces Imminent Return After Spinal Surgery

February 7, 2026, 6:08 PM · Violinist Hilary Hahn announced on her social media platforms that she will "shortly return to the stage" after surgery to replace a cervical spinal disc.

Here is what she posted:

"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

We wish Hilary a healthy and full recovery, and we are looking forward to her return to the concert stage!

You might also like:

• Violinist.com interview with Hilary Hahn: In 27 Pieces, the Hilary Hahn Encores
• Interview with Hilary Hahn: 100 Years of the Ysaÿe Sonatas
• Hilary Hahn Cancels Performances Through November Due to Injury

* * *

Enjoying Violinist.com? Click here to sign up for our free, bi-weekly email newsletter. And if you've already signed up, please invite your friends! Thank you.

Replies