This documentary portrait, the first television biography of Rattle for 15 years, follows him through an extraordinary year of concerts, oratorios and opera with five different orchestras. We see his rigorous preparation and experience his irresistible dynamism in rehearsal and performance. We will watch him at work with the Berliner Philharmoniker, often described as the world’s leading orchestra. We will also see him with the Orchestra Of The Age Of Enlightenment and with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. We see him preparing a score for performance, share his experiences with the players and gain privileged insights into the day-to-day life of a conductor.
Through the lens of archive material we will explore his remarkable career: from his early days at the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra to becoming a household name as the man who arguably inspired the rebuilding of Birmingham. He is know as a passionate believer in the life-changing power of music.
The spine of the programme is an in-depth interview with Simon, recorded in Berlin in September 2014. This explains and contextualizes the observational documentary, illuminating Simon’s own thoughts on his life and beliefs.
What does a conductor actually do? What makes a great conductor? How does he cope with the different dynamics of so many ensembles and with the vast amount of repertoire that flows from his baton? What drives Simon Rattle?
Other interviewees include Anee-Sophie Mutter, Thomas Ades, Roderick Williams, Mark Padmore, Sir Nicholas Kenyon and Peter Sellars.
