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    Simon Rattle

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    Sir Simon Rattle turns 65! Here are the most iconic pictures of the great conductor

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    This week, Sir Simon Rattle celebrates his 65th birthday. Here’s a look at his extraordinary career to-date, captured in iconic pictures.

    1. simon rattle iconic photos

      1. Early days

      This photo from 1974 shows Rattle as he was emerging onto the conducting scene. His hair had already emerged, obviously.

    2. simon rattle iconic photos

      2. At Glyndebourne

      The young Rattle with fellow conductor Calvin Simmons in 1976.

    3. simon rattle iconic photos

      3. With Peter Maxwell Davies

      Hanging out with the Master of the Queen's Music, Peter Maxwell Davies, in 1981.

    4. Simon Rattle, CBSO

      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. simon rattle iconic photos

      5. Portrait

      Simon Rattle, pictured in 2001.

    6. Lang Lang and Simon Rattle

      6. Lang Lang and Simon Rattle

      Two modern masters of classical music, hanging out in a theatre.

    7. simon rattle iconic photos

      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. Simon Rattle Chariots of Fire Opening Ceremony

      8. At the London Olympics

      Sir Simon had a special guest for this performance - none other than Mr. Bean.

    9. simon rattle iconic photos

      9. Nothing but hair

      Rattle during a rehearsal with the Berlin Philharmonic in 2014.

    10. simon rattle iconic photos

      10. With The Queen

      Receiving the Insignia of a Member of the Order of Merit from The Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2014.

    11. Simon Rattle conducts the Young Orchestra for Lond

      11. Championing young musicians

      Rattle leads the 100-piece 'Young Orchestra for London' at London's South Bank in 2015.

    12. Simon Rattle at the LSO press conference

      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. Simon Rattle conducts the London Symphony Orchestr

      13. Conducting the LSO

      Rattle conducts the London Symphony Orchestra playing Mahler’s Ninth at the Edinburgh International Festival 2018.

    14. Sir Simon Rattle at the Met

      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.

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