Julian Lloyd Webber performed a birthday charity gala concert at Wigmore Hall on Tuesday, marking his return to the concert platform after a 12-year absence due to injury. The cellist has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and will receive treatment. He does not intend to cancel engagements and will not comment further until after treatment.
Julian Lloyd Webber's injury was a herniated disc caused by the repeated bowing action of his right arm, which led him to sell his Stradivarius. He began learning to play again last year. His career highlights include performing at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, winning a Brit Award for his recording of Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto, and being made an OBE in 2021 for services to music.
I did not want to let anyone down, so I kept my diagnosis secret until after my birthday concert, but now I need to begin treatment as soon as possible.
In Norway, biathlon coach Sverre Röiseland has been diagnosed with testicular cancer. He felt symptoms during the Winter Olympics in Italy and booked an appointment for examination immediately after returning to Norway. His partner Marte was undergoing an ultrasound for her pregnancy on the same day Röiseland had his ultrasound examination.
Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni has prostate cancer and will undergo treatment in China. He traveled to Beijing at the end of February for routine checkups with his mother, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath. The king took the throne in October 2004 after his father's abdication.
I am encouraged by the expectations of the medical team and look forward to making a full recovery.
Swedish harness racing figure Anders Lindqvist has a tumor in his kidney that will be surgically removed in Paris in a few weeks. Lindqvist has survived cancer twice before. Former football coach Janne Andersson had prostate cancer in 2018.
He received the diagnosis on the same day the Swedish national team gathered for the 2018 World Cup.
I am not intending to cancel engagements and I won't comment any further on this matter until after the treatment.
I began just playing scales a few weeks ago. I tried a whole piece, but quickly realised it was not going to work. I had to build up to it. So I did 15 minutes, then half an hour. Then I managed an hour. Now I can't wait for the concert. I just hope I can do it.
As children we developed an entire make-believe world that centred around our toy theatre, the Harrington Pavilion. Made of bricks and wooden blocks, and papered with fabric samples, it featured a magnificent revolving stage, constructed from an old record turntable. Performances were staged with surprising frequency. Friends, family and unsuspecting guests would be dragged in to hear Andrew's latest musical while we both chipped in to operate the lighting and 'cast' of toy soldiers. There was even a plush crimson curtain.