So who will be the Berlin Phil.'s music director once Sir Simon leaves?

[Nick Armstrong]

I'd go for someone much younger, and highly adventurous, namely Ilan Volkov. Now he would be a very daring choice.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

But isn't that what the BPO membership wants? Does anyone know the inner workings of the BPO?

Both when Abbado and Rattle were appointed, a spokesman from the orchestra made a press statement that each had been chosen because of their commitment to "Comtemporary" Music - seemingly in preference to Barenboim who was seen as more of a "Traditionalist" (in spite of important performances of Berio, Carter and other living composers).

Volkov would be excellent.

[cloughie]

I'm surprised noone has suggested Haitink - everyone on these boards seems to love him and he is going to live forever.

[Alison]

Hasn't Andre Rieu got a good contract too?

I'm surprised noone has suggested Haitink - everyone on these boards seems to love him and he is going to live forever.

Right on. He'll only be 89.

[Belgrove]

I confess to hoping that Jurowski might take over from Pappano at the ROH. But Jurowski's family reside in Berlin...

[jayne lee wilson]

19:00 Hrs, Friday 11/01/13:
Berlin Phil Digital Concert Hall.
Mendelssohn Symphony No.4
Bruckner Symphony No.6
Berlin Phil/Chailly

(DCH recently upgraded its basic audio bitrate to 256 kbps AAC. Not quite matching R3 but A for effort...)

[ardcarp]

Can anyone think of an instance where a 'retirement' that isn't automatic or scheduled is announced so far ahead? Apart from the fact that we could all be dead (or maybe even that Earth has vapourised) by 2018, won't Rattle's prolonged death rattle just seem a bit...well... pointless? Even more so if the BPO announces his successor next week? Or will he remain principal conductor in name only (drawing the salary of course) while all the gigs are done by others? Or (fianlly) knowing that they've got their way, will BPO enjoy 6 Golden Twilight Years with Sir S, realise they've been fun and beg him to stay on after all?

[kernelbogey]

Simon Rattle to leave Berlin Phil in 2018

Simon Rattle has announced that he will not renew his contract with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra when it expires in 2018, the Guardian reports this morning.

[Flay]

death rattle

[kernelbogey]

Simon Rattle has announced that he will not renew his contract with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra when it expires in 2018, the Guardian reports this morning.

This thread will be merged with the other - So who will in be in the running to take over the Berlin Phil - later today.

[Sir Velo]

10-1 Barenboim

Given DB will be 76 in 2018, your bookmaker is not quoting particularly generous odds Alison.

[Alison]

Perhaps Barenboim could be on for a 3-4 year caretaker role.

And don't miss the chance to assess John Wilson on Monday evening.

[amateur51]

Boston Symphony? Vienna State Opera? Lucerne? CBSO???

Personally, I think he will freelance but if he does then it's not really the Rattle philosophy is it?

He's got young children so I guess a settled base would be good. Boston would suit him I guess in a way that New York might not. What do I know

[Mandryka]

Maybe he'll form his own orchestra, supplementing that with well-paid guest spots (which I don't think he's done before?)?

[amateur51]

This thread will be merged with the other - So who will in be in the running to take over the Berlin Phil - later today.

Many thanks, kernel