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
Interview with the Jenůfa Cast
The four main soloists discuss the plot and the experience of performing Leos Janáček’s riveting opera, Jenůfa.
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
Janáček The Excursions of Mr Brouček
Sir Simon Rattle
Sunday 4 May 2025 • 7pm
Sir Simon Rattle conducts a concert performance of Leoš Janáček’s colourful satirical opera.
Janáček The Excursions of Mr Brouček
Sir Simon Rattle
Tuesday 6 May 2025 • 7pm
Sir Simon Rattle conducts a concert performance of Leoš Janáček’s colourful, satirical opera.
Rattle Conducts Folk Songs and Dances
BBC Proms
Saturday 30 August 2025 • 11am
Sir Simon Rattle conducts folk-song arrangements by Vaughan Williams, Grainger and Arnold for the BBC Proms.
The Makropulos Affair
Sir Simon Rattle
Tuesday 13 January 2026 • 7pm
A 300-year-old woman confronts mortality, identity and lost love in this concert performance of Janáček’s intense operatic drama.
The Makropulos Affair
Sir Simon Rattle
Thursday 15 January 2026 • 7pm
A 300-year-old woman confronts mortality, identity and lost love in this concert performance of Janáček’s intense operatic drama.
Bartók and de Falla
Patricia Kopatchinskaja: Artist Portrait
Sunday 18 January 2026 • 7pm
Patricia Kopatchinskaja brings Bartók’s urgent Second Violin Concerto to life. Sir Simon Rattle and the LSO ignite de Falla’s The Three-Cornered Hat with Spanish flair.
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
