With his compelling charisma, exceptional creativity, enthusiasm, and unwavering artistic dedication, Sir Simon Rattle stands as one of the most fascinating conductors of our time. This year, the Chief Conductor of the Bavarian Radio Chorus and Symphony Orchestra will be honoured with the prestigious Ernst von Siemens Music Prize for his lifetime achievements. The announcement was made by the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation just three days before Rattle’s 70th birthday.

The Bavarian Radio (BR) is celebrating this world-renowned conductor with a series of special features and concert highlights across radio, television, and online platforms leading up to his milestone birthday on 19 January 2025.

A “Nobel Prize of Music” Tribute

Dr. Katja Wildermuth, Director General of Bavarian Radio, expressed the organisation’s admiration for Sir Simon Rattle:
“The Bavarian Radio warmly congratulates Sir Simon Rattle on receiving the ‘Nobel Prize of Music’—a truly well-deserved honour for his 70th birthday. He is the ideal Chief Conductor for us: full of energy, passion, and ideas, drawing in packed audiences and guaranteeing a captivated public. Sir Simon continues to lead the Symphony Orchestra to new heights, from Asian and American tours to enthralling performances in Bavarian concert halls. Whether through educational projects or his cherished vision of the ‘Symphonic Hoagascht’ featuring brass musicians from across Bavaria, he inspires like no other. The Bavarian Radio applauds, thanks, and congratulates an extraordinary artist and human being.”

Concert Broadcasts and Documentaries

To mark this occasion, BR will air special programmes showcasing Rattle’s artistry and contributions to classical music.

  • Sunday, 19 January, 09:45 am, BR Television
    Simon Rattle conducts Ligeti, Wagner, and Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony
    Sir Simon Rattle’s performance intertwines György Ligeti’s revolutionary orchestral piece Atmosphères—made famous by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey—with Richard Wagner’s ethereal prelude to Lohengrin. The programme also includes Anton Bruckner’s unfinished Ninth Symphony, a monumental work that opened the door to a new musical era. This recording, made on 15 November 2024 at the Isarphilharmonie in Munich, will also be available in the ARD media library.

  • Sunday, 19 January, 9:45 pm, ARD alpha
    Simon Rattle conducts Schoenberg’s Gurre-Lieder*
    This gala concert, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, features Rattle conducting Schoenberg’s grandiose Gurre-Lieder, which he describes as “the wildest, most beautiful, and romantic work imaginable.” The colossal composition, requiring vast orchestral and choral forces, delivers an unforgettable musical experience. Recorded on 19 April 2024 at the Isarphilharmonie in Munich, the performance features a stellar cast, including Thomas Quasthoff, Stuart Skelton, Dorothea Röschmann, and Jamie Barton.

  • Monday, 20 January, 10:45 pm, BR Television
    The Symphonic Hoagascht: Simon Rattle Meets Bavarian Traditions
    In a remarkable fusion of tradition and innovation, Sir Simon Rattle collaborated with over 100 Bavarian brass ensembles, selecting four groups to join the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra in a unique project. This long-term documentary by Felix Hentschel follows the preparation process, highlighting Lorenz Dangel’s specially commissioned piece and Rattle’s journey to the ensembles across Bavaria.

Through these tributes, the Bavarian Radio honours the profound impact of Sir Simon Rattle, celebrating not only his musical genius but also his ability to unite and inspire audiences and musicians around the world.