Berlin Philharmonic Musicians Fail to Elect New Music Director

Following eleven hours of closed door discussions yesterday, it's been announced that the 123 members of the Berlin Philharmonic have been unable to reach a decision on who should be the orchestra's next Chief Conductor and Artistic Director.

Current Chief Conductor Sir Simon Rattle will stand down at the conclusion of the 2018 season – to assume his newly appointed role as Music Director with the London Symphony Orchestra.

It is not clear whether they were deadlocked or unable to reach a majority vote.

Berlin Philharmonic board member, Peter Riegelbauer has indicated that the ensemble would like to try again 'within a year'.

Possible successors are believed to be 37 year old Latvia conductor Andris Nelsons, 34 year old Venezuelan Maestro Gustavo Dudemel - and Berlin-native, 58 year old Christian Thielemann.