LSO reveal advanced succession plan with appointment of Simon Rattle, 3 years before start date

British conductor, Sir Simon Rattle has announced his plans to leave his role as Chief Conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, to join the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) as Music Director.

Rattle, one of the top three conductors in the world, has been with the Berlin Philharmonic since 2002 and still has three years left on his contract.

The revered conductor said it was "a very obvious step - and the idea of coming home and having a position in this fantastic city is also a thrill for me".