Simon Rattle: Liverpool and London could be twins, compared to Munich and Berlin

Simon Rattle: Liverpool and London could be twins, compared to Munich and Berlin

Orchestras

norman lebrecht

September 18, 2023

The British conductor takes over this week as chief conductor of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.

From an inaugural interview with BR:

BR-KLASSIK: Are you already a little in love with Munich?

Simon Rattle: I’m just getting to know it better. Nobody would claim that there is one Germany. But I think there is almost nothing that could be more different than Munich and Berlin. There are of course differences between Liverpool, where I grew up, and the south of England, where I later lived. But there was nothing as extreme as Munich and Berlin. I think there’s so much going on beneath the surface that you have to slowly discover. I am really looking forward to this.

BR-KLASSIK: And have you already found a favorite meal here?

Simon Rattle: Let’s put it this way (squirms): So far I’ve only eaten Italian and Japanese in Munich (laughs).

Comments

  • Maria says:

    My experience of Munich food was that it was not that dissimilar to Austrian stodge – Bavarian dumplings of every sort. I too ate Italian in Munich and Austria!

    • Scorn says:

      Pre Covid but over 15 years.

      Very good fish restaurant in the market. Only open during the day and closes in evening and only accepts cash no cards.

  • Mr. Ron says:

    I cannot speak to Liverpool and London but he’s right about Munich and Berlin. Read the Bernie Gunther books and you’ll understand.

    • Joseph Meyer says:

      Ha! Just read number six, can’t put them down. So right you are, also from my personal experience of living in both

  • Gustavo says:

    How on Earth is it possible to become chief of the BRSO without having been out for Weißwurstfrühstück or eaten Leberkäs before?

    Looks like someone at BR urgently needs to drag him to the Oktoberfest for a Maß or two.

    • Max says:

      They did take him to Oktoberfest the day after the concert and you can look up the proof online. As well as him explaining why he prefers Weißwurst over baked beans for breakfast!

  • Gustavo says:

    chief conductor from Liverpool

    = Schlagobers aus Leberknödelsuppe

  • Corno di Caccia says:

    One thing’s for sure, Sir Simon certainly put on the beef whilst in Berlin. I wish him all the best in Munich. Our loss is their gain.

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