Sir Simon Rattle (born 19 January 1955 in Liverpool) is a British conductor widely regarded as one of the foremost figures in classical music today. He led the Berlin Philharmonic for sixteen years (2002-2018) and the London Symphony Orchestra as Music Director (2017-2023), and since September 2023 has been Chief Conductor of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. His repertoire spans Bach and Haydn through Mahler, the Second Viennese School, and living composers, and his discography of over 100 recordings includes multiple Grammy Award winners.
Rattle was awarded the Bavarian Maximilian Order for Science and Art in May 2026.
The Staatskapelle Berlin bestowed the title of Honorary Conductor (Ehrendirigent) upon Rattle in March 2026.
Rattle was named Gramophone Artist of the Year 2025.
Rattle received the 2025 Ernst von Siemens Music Prize, worth €250,000, at a ceremony in Munich on 17 May 2025.
Rattle withdrew from two BBC Proms appearances in August 2025 due to routine surgery, with replacements stepping in for both concerts.
A concert by the BR-Symphonieorchester conducted by Sir Simon Rattle in Dortmund.
A classical music concert featuring world-renowned musicians: violist A. Tamestit, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and conductor Sir Simon Rattle.