Sir Simon Rattle
Features, videos, recordings and concerts with our Conductor Emeritus
Sir Simon Rattle is our Conductor Emeritus, having been Music Director from 2017–23. He first appeared with the LSO in 1977, at the age of 22.
Highlights with the Orchestra over the years have included the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, conducting the Orchestra in London’s Trafalgar Square in the annual BMW Classics concert, appearances at the BBC Proms and Edinburgh International Festivals, tours throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America, and numerous concerts at the Barbican Centre, where the LSO is Resident Orchestra. Sir Simon Rattle was awarded a Knighthood by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his services to music in 1994 and received the Order of Merit in the 2014 New Year’s Honours.
Videos
News & Stories
Sir Simon Rattle: The 2024/25 Season
Our Conductor Emeritus introduces his 2024/25 season and the musical celebrations planned for his 70th birthday.
Sir Simon Rattle: LSO Music Director 2017–23
Our musicians share some of their favourite moments of Sir Simon Rattle’s tenure as LSO Music Director (2017–23), from conga lines in the Barbican Hall to performing at Tate Modern.
Sir Simon Rattle: Turangalîla & Betsy Jolas
From first being wowed by Messiaen’s Turangalîla-Symphonie aged eleven, to commissioning now 96-year-old Betsy Jolas, Sir Simon Rattle discusses the that will feature in his final concerts at the Barbican as LSO Music Director.
Sir Simon Rattle: The 2023/24 Season
‘This is music that suits the LSO so perfectly, with their virtuosity, passion, and their sense of humour and refinement.’
Sir Simon Rattle on the music of Betsy Jolas
Sir Simon Rattle talks to us about Franco-American composer Betsy Jolas and how her latest work A Little Summer Suite came about.
Concerts
Half Six Fix: Brahms
Sir Simon Rattle
Wednesday 8 January 2025 • 6.30pm
Sir Simon Rattle conducts and presents Johannes Brahms' Symphony No 4, in our 60-minute Half Six Fix concert.
Boulez, Benjamin and Brahms 4
Sir Simon Rattle and Barbara Hannigan
Thursday 9 January 2025 • 7pm
Pierre Boulez’s glittering sound world, late Brahms, and a lyrical world premiere from George Benjamin – to celebrate Sir Simon Rattle’s 70th birthday.
Tippett, Turnage and Vaughan Williams 5
Sir Simon Rattle and John Scofield
Sunday 12 January 2025 • 7pm
An all-British programme of Tippett, Turnage and Vaughan Williams featuring guitarist John Scofield, to celebrate Sir Simon Rattle’s 70th birthday.
On Tour in Paris
Sir Simon Rattle and Barbara Hannigan
Monday 13 January 2025 • 8pm
A bewitching programme of contrasts: Pierre Boulez’s glittering sound world, late Johannes Brahms, and a lyrical French premiere from George Benjamin.
On Tour in Paris
Sir Simon Rattle, Krystian Zimerman and John Scofield
Tuesday 14 January 2025 • 8pm
Music by Beethoven, Mark-Anthony Turnage and Tippett on tour in Paris, with Sir Simon, guitarist John Scofield and pianist Krystian Zimerman.
On Tour in Luxembourg
Sir Simon Rattle and Barbara Hannigan
Wednesday 15 January 2025 • 7.30pm
The LSO inhabits a range of musical worlds, steered brilliantly by Sir Simon Rattle, with music by Boulez, Brahms and George Benjamin.
Recordings
Reviews
‘Six thousand people, from arena to gallery, were stock still, honouring the performance, overwhelmed by it. Then came the cheers’ The Observer, Sep 2023
‘Wistful and life-enhancing, a terrific farewell for the departing chief … it would be hard to devise a more joyous programme – as well as one closer to Rattle’s musical heart and ethos.’ ★★★★★ The Guardian, Jun 2023
‘Rattle does this kind of modernist mega-entertainment supremely well, and he never stinted on cheek, swagger and pizzazz.’ ★★★★★ The ArtsDesk, Jun 2023
