After Rattle, where does the LSO turn?

Spin as they might, the London Symphony Orchestra are now in a hole sixty feet deeper than the Barbican Hall.

They’ve had six months to get used to the idea that Simon Rattle had bought a parachute and was bailing out over Munich, and they’ll still enjoy his services as music director for the next two years and a half.

But the LSO’s entire business plan was predicated on Rattle bringing them profitable international tours, a high profile and wealthy donors. Covid and Brexit have killed the tours and their profile takes a fatal hit with Rattle’s departure.

The options are:

– to go for another well-connected conductor – Antonio Pappano and Gianandrea Noseda are two internal favourites;

– to grab a young talent who’s ready for the next step – Mirga, if she’s willing;

– or to completely change course and devise a survival plan for post-Brexit Britain.

Time is short and they desperately need fresh thinking.