On Air Now
The Classic FM Hall of Fame with Anne-Marie Minhall 12pm - 3pm
Sir Simon Rattle turns 65! Here are the most iconic pictures of the great conductor
This week, Sir Simon Rattle celebrates his 65th birthday. Here’s a look at his extraordinary career to-date, captured in iconic pictures.
-
1. Early days
This photo from 1974 shows Rattle as he was emerging onto the conducting scene. His hair had already emerged, obviously.
-
2. At Glyndebourne
The young Rattle with fellow conductor Calvin Simmons in 1976.
-
3. With Peter Maxwell Davies
Hanging out with the Master of the Queen's Music, Peter Maxwell Davies, in 1981.
-
4. Making his name
Simon Rattle really came to the public's attention when he became musical director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra after joining them in 1980. Here he is in the city's Symphony Hall.
-
5. Portrait
Simon Rattle, pictured in 2001.
-
-
6. Lang Lang and Simon Rattle
Two modern masters of classical music, hanging out in a theatre.
-
7. Among Hollywood's finest
Sir Simon receives a prestigious Goldene Kamera award in 2007. How prestigious? Pierce Brosnan, Lionel Richie and Nicolas Cage prestigious.
-
8. At the London Olympics
Sir Simon had a special guest for this performance - none other than Mr. Bean.
-
9. Nothing but hair
Rattle during a rehearsal with the Berlin Philharmonic in 2014.
-
10. With The Queen
Receiving the Insignia of a Member of the Order of Merit from The Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2014.
-
-
11. Championing young musicians
Rattle leads the 100-piece 'Young Orchestra for London' at London's South Bank in 2015.
-
12. Moving to London
Sir Simon, now the LSO's Music Director, speaks at a press conference about his opening season with the orchestra in 2017.
-
13. Conducting the LSO
Rattle conducts the London Symphony Orchestra playing Mahler’s Ninth at the Edinburgh International Festival 2018.
-
14. A close-up
Sir Simon during a break in the final dress rehearsal for the season revival of Strauss’ ‘Der Rosenkavalier’ at New York’s Met Opera House, 2019.
