(Credit: Mark Allan)

Sir Simon Rattle, the Music Director of the London Symphony Orchestra, has tested positive for COVID-19.

“Sir Simon Rattle has tested positive for COVID-19 and is unfortunately unable to fulfill his engagements with the LSO this month. He is currently isolating at home, with mild symptoms. We send him our very best wishes for a speedy recovery. We are pleased to announce that Kirill Karabits has agreed to step in to conduct the concerts at the Barbican on 8, 9,15 & 16 December, and at Philharmonie de Paris on 13 December. The programmes for all concerts remain as announced,” said the London Symphony Orchestra in an official statement.

Rattle is expected to return to the pit for performances of Leoš Janáček’s “The Makropulos Affair” at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden in February 2022. The conductor will lead a cast that includes Marlis Petersen, Nicky Spence, Bo Skovhus, and Peter Hoare.

OperaWire sends its best to Sir Simon Rattle in these difficult times.