Alicia de Larrocha - Death

Death

Alicia de Larrocha died on 25 September 2009 in Quiron Hospital, Barcelona, aged 86. She had been in declining health since breaking her hip five years previously. Her husband, the pianist Juan Torra, with whom she had two children, died in 1982.

Culture Minister Ángeles González-Sinde described her as "an extraordinary ambassador for Spain". The Barcelona Symphony Orchestra had one minute's silence in her memory before their performances on the weekend after her death. The Daily Telegraph's Damian Thompson complimented her "rich legacy" and said she "virtually owned a small chunk of the piano repertoire". The Baltimore Sun's Tim Smith praised the "excellent" obituary she was given by Allan Kozinn in The New York Times. On 26 September 2009, pianist Stephen Hough played an encore at Orchestra Hall, Minnesota. He announced his piece —"Capricho Catalán" by Albéniz— and dedicated it to the memory of Alicia de Larrocha. "She was a completely unique artist, with a unique sound and a unique career," Hough said. On 27 September 2009 Peter Oundjian and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra dedicated their performance of the Brahms 2nd Symphony to Alicia de Larrocha. On 3 December 2009, pianist Sonya Bach, in collaboration with the Honorary Consulate of Spain in Switzerland, dedicated a solo recital titled "Remembering Alicia de Larrocha" at Cultural Center Spazio Aperto, Bellinzona, in memory of her late mentor.