The cellist Julian Lloyd Webber has announced that he is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, shortly after making a triumphant return to the stage for his 75th birthday.
Lloyd Webber, who performed a charity gala at London's Wigmore Hall on Tuesday, kept his diagnosis secret until after the concert. In a statement, he said: 'I did not want to let anyone down... now I need to begin treatment as soon as possible.' He expressed optimism for a full recovery and stated he does not intend to cancel engagements.
The musician had been absent from live performances for 12 years due to a herniated disc caused by repeated bowing. The injury was so severe that he sold his Stradivarius cello, believing he would never play again. However, last year he began relearning the instrument, building up from scales to full pieces.
Lloyd Webber, brother of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, won a Brit Award for his recording of Elgar's Cello Concerto and performed at the 2012 London Olympics closing ceremony.
