Sir Simon Rattle Returns to Liverpool

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Sir Simon Rattle Returns to Liverpool

Friday 7 November 2025

Renowned conductor, Sir Simon Rattle is returning to Liverpool for a very special performance at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Almost 50 years ago to the day, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra last performed at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Next week, they are back, led by their Chief Conductor, Sir Simon Rattle. This group of world-class musicians are performing Stravinsky’s The Firebird and Schumann’s Symphony No.2. It is a rare occasion for a visiting orchestra to perform at Philharmonic Hall which is home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets for the concert are available here.

Artistic Planning Director (Orchestra & Ensembles), Sandra Parr said: “Simon has such a long history with us as an organisation and we are always delighted to welcome him home. When we realised that the BRSO were not only in tour, but also on the 50th anniversary of their last visit to the Hall, we knew we had to make this concert work”

Born in Liverpool, Sir Simon Rattle discovered his passion for music through visits to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, he then went on to join the Merseyside Youth Orchestra (now Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra) and is their Hon President and conducted, and played percussion in, their Reunion concert in Liverpool in February 2024.

Sir Simon Rattle said: “Coming back to Liverpool is always very special experience for me. Growing up, the Phil was my second home, and the RLPO was the first professional orchestra I played with. They really formed my idea of how music sounds, and I was amazed that they entrusted me with borderline insane progammes from the age of 20 on! Now, I couldn’t be happier to be returning to the beautiful Hall, this time with the wonderful Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, where I am now Chief Conductor. It has been almost 50 years to the day since the BRSO last visited Liverpool so we are incredibly grateful to the Liverpool Philharmonic for hosting us and the RLPO for letting us take to their magnificent stage.”

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In addition to his role as Chief Conductor of the BRSO, Sir Simon is Conductor Laureate of the London Symphony Orchestra. He is a Principal Artist of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and a Founding Patron of the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group. He was Principal Conductor of the Berliner Philharmoniker from 2002 to 2018. In 2024 Sir Simon was announced as the Principal Guest Conductor, Rafael Kubelik Chair, of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

Music Education is of supreme importance to Sir Simon. During his tenure as Music Director of the London Symphony Orchestra, he announced the creation of the LSO East London Academy. The free programme aims to identify and develop the musical potential of young East Londoners. While Principal Conductor of the Berliner Philharmoniker, he made groundbreaking changes to the orchestra’s outreach and educational programmes, earning him numerous international awards. He is a lifelong LFC supporter.