Sir Simon Rattle Unveils Bronze Bust in London

The sculpture was revealed after Rattle's final concert as the London Symphony Orchestra's music director

Hours before conducting his final concert at the Barbican Centre as music director of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), Sir Simon Rattle unveiled a bronze bust of himself at the Barbican Music Library — made in honor of his now five-decade music career. 

Created by artist Frances Segelman, the sculpture was donated by Sir Jack and Lady Petchey (Segelman) to the Help Musicians charity, which has supported musicians in the UK for over a century.

Rattle has made over 100 professional recordings and served as LSO’s music director since 2017. In 2021, he announced that he would complete his current tenure with LSO in 2023 and become its conductor emeritus in future seasons.

Previously, he was assistant conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, principal conductor and artistic director of the Berlin Philharmonic, and principal conductor and music director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra for 18 years.

As of the 2023/24 concert season, Rattle will begin his tenure as chief conductor of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Bavarian Radio Chorus.

“This generous gift from Frances Segelman, which has now found a home in the Barbican Music Library, is both very generous and fitting, and we would like to thank everyone involved in this very special piece of art,” said Help Musicians’ interim CEO, Sarah Woods.

“The charity has been supporting musicians for over 100 years, and significant figures in the industry, such as Sir Simon Rattle, are vital in raising awareness of the challenges faced by musicians while they are building and sustaining their careers,” Woods continued. 

“Sir Simon Rattle is a truly remarkable music maestro, and I was delighted to have the opportunity to create a bust of him for Help Musicians,” added Segelman. “It is a great honor that the City of London Corporation has given pride of place to my sculpture within the Barbican Music Library, which will help highlight the vital work done by the Help Musicians charity to offer assistance to musicians throughout their careers.”