Renowned Conductor Juanjo Mena Retires Due to Alzheimer's

Mena previously led the Cincinnati May Festival before stepping down due to health concerns.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:39pm

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Juanjo Mena, a renowned Spanish conductor who previously served as the principal conductor of the Cincinnati May Festival, has announced his retirement due to being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Mena, 67, had held the Cincinnati position from 2015 to 2022 before stepping down for health reasons.

Why it matters

Mena's retirement marks the end of an era for the prestigious Cincinnati May Festival, which has featured some of the world's top conductors over its 150-year history. His departure also highlights the challenges faced by aging musicians and artists as they grapple with debilitating health conditions like Alzheimer's.

The details

In a statement, Mena cited his Alzheimer's diagnosis as the primary reason for his retirement from conducting. He had previously stepped down from his role with the Cincinnati May Festival in 2022, citing unspecified health concerns. Mena had been widely praised for his interpretations of classical and contemporary works during his tenure in Cincinnati.

  • Mena served as principal conductor of the Cincinnati May Festival from 2015 to 2022.
  • Mena announced his retirement on March 13, 2026 due to his Alzheimer's diagnosis.

The players

Juanjo Mena

A renowned Spanish conductor who previously served as the principal conductor of the Cincinnati May Festival from 2015 to 2022.

Cincinnati May Festival

A prestigious classical music festival in Cincinnati, Ohio that has featured some of the world's top conductors over its 150-year history.

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What they’re saying

“It is with great sadness that I must announce my retirement from conducting due to my recent diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.”

— Juanjo Mena, Conductor (Lancaster Online)

What’s next

The Cincinnati May Festival will now begin the search for a new principal conductor to lead the organization into the future.

The takeaway

Mena's retirement highlights the challenges faced by aging musicians and artists as they grapple with debilitating health conditions like Alzheimer's, underscoring the need for greater support and resources for those in the creative community facing such challenges.