Talk of Sir Simon Rattle’s possible move to the London Symphony Orchestra has stepped up a gear today, with Richard Morrison and Jack Melvern from The Times understanding that he has accepted the illustrious post. Rattle has already made public his intention to step down from his position at the Berlin Philharmonic in 2018. With Valery Gergiev’s imminent move to the Munich Philharmonic, a seamless transition could be possible.

In response to the rumours, the London Symphony Orchestra remained non-committal, with a spokeswoman adding, “Simon is conducting the orchestra in the coming season, and there is nothing else to say”.

Rattle is considered one of Britain’s finest conductors but has not held a formal post in this country since leaving the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in 1998. He has worked with the LSO as a guest conductor over many years, with his most high-profile gig being at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics as part of much loved routine with Rowan Atkinson. Rattle is due to be back at the Barbican in January next year, conducting the LSO through Beethoven, Henze and Brahms’ fourth symphony.