Sir Simon Rattle Cancels LSO Engagement as He Heals from Surgery

British conductor Sir Simon Rattle has had to pull out of conducting the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) at two concerts celebrating the 40th anniversary of London's Barbican Centre. The LSO announced that Rattle underwent a minor surgical procedure earlier this month and at the recommendation of his doctors, Rattle has therefore decided to take a little longer to recuperate.

He will be replaced by British choral conductor Harry Christophers, who founded renowned vocal ensemble The Sixteen in 1979 and has been its director ever since. The concert features Haydn's oratorio "The Creation", with soloists Lucy Crowe (soprano), Andrew Staples (tenor), and Roderick Williams (baritone), and will be held on March 3 and 6.

Rattle announced in early 2021 that he would be leaving the LSO (where he has been Music Director since 2017) in 2023 to take up the position of Chief Conductor at the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.

"We all wish Sir Simon a speedy recuperation," wrote the LSO on social media.