Simon Rattle: This is now normal. We will all be more local

The conductor took a train this week from Berlin to Munich for his first meeting with an orchestra since lockdown. The date was fixed in a matter of days – rather than the years it normally takes to set up a concert.

Among other things he says:

 I think a lot will change. I assume that intensive tours around the world will no longer be possible in the next five years. The London Symphony Orchestra should be on an incredible 99 days on tour next year. And I haven’t counted the national guest concerts yet. This is by no means sustainable, even if the orchestra can only survive in this way. In the long run, I don’t expect orchestras to continue flying around the world.