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.’
Concerts
Half Six Fix: John Adams at 80
Sir Simon Rattle
Wednesday 6 January 2027 • 6.30pm
Sir Simon Rattle conducts and introduces John Adams’ vivid and psychedelic symphonic journey, Harmonielehre.
John Adams at 80
Sir Simon Rattle
Thursday 7 January 2027 • 7pm
Sir Simon Rattle conducts the LSO in music by John Adams: Frenzy, an extract from The Gospel According to the Other Mary and Harmonielehre – an electrifying journey through the composer's luminous soundworld.
John Adams at 80
Sir Simon Rattle
Sunday 10 January 2027 • 7pm
Sir Simon Rattle leads the LSO in music by John Adams: Frenzy, an extract from The Gospel According to the Other Mary and Harmonielehre – an electrifying journey through the composer's luminous soundworld.
Half Six Fix: Prokofiev 5
Sir Simon Rattle
Wednesday 14 April 2027 • 6.30pm
Kick-start your evening with a 60-minute Half Six Fix concert. Sir Simon Rattle, Conductor Emeritus of the LSO, presents Prokofiev’s ‘symphony of the greatness of the human spirit’ – the epic Fifth.
Debussy, Filidei and Prokofiev
Sir Simon Rattle and Antoine Tamestit
Thursday 15 April 2027 • 7pm
Sir Simon Rattle returns for Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, a thrilling new Viola Concerto with soloist Antoine Tamestit, and Prokofiev’s compelling Fifth Symphony.
Mahler Symphony No 3
Sir Simon Rattle
Sunday 18 April 2027 • 7pm
Sir Simon Rattle, the LSO and a stellar line-up of soloists bring to life Mahler’s vast hymn to the natural world, one of music’s most immersive works.
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
