Sir Simon Rattle Tests Positive for COVID-19 

As music director of the London Symphony Orchestra, the British conductor will be unable to conduct this month

“[Sir Simon Rattle] is currently isolating, at home with mild symptoms,” posted the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) on their social media.

For concerts scheduled this month, Russian conductor Kirill Karabits will be stepping in for Rattle. “What an honor to be doing this! And quick recovery for Sir Simon Rattle,” Karabits posted on Facebook. 

Karabits will be conducting the LSO’s concerts in Barbican Hall on December 8, 9, 15, and 16, 2021, as well as at Philharmonie de Paris on December 13. All concert programs will remain as announced.

As chief conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for 13 years, Karabits made several critically-acclaimed recordings and performed at the BBC Proms. In 2013, he was named Conductor of the Year by the Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards.

For Rattle, this concert season marks his fifth with the LSO, after becoming their music director in 2017. He will return to LSO’s performances next year including Haydn’s Creation with the LSO chorus and singers Lucy Crowe, Andrew Staples, and Roderick Williams.

“We send him our very best wishes for a speedy recovery,” wrote the LSO. “Get well soon Simon, and thank you Kirill.”

The Violin Channel wishes Sir Simon Rattle a quick recovery!