Daniel Barenboim among those wishing a happy birthday to the distinguished British maestro.

British conductor Sir Simon Rattle celebrated his 60th birthday yesterday. Rattle, who is currently the Chief Conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, is arguably one of the most recognised and revered maestros in the world. The explosive start of his extraordinary career came at the age of 19, when he won the John Player International Conducting Competition whilst in his final year studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London. In 1980 he took the helm of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and during his 18 year tenure, first as Principal Conductor and then as Musical Director, he elevated the orchestra’s profile and his own reputation to international attention.

In addition to his decisive and charismatic conducting, Rattle has also carved an impressive reputation for innovative programming and championing contemporary music. Mark Anthony Turnage, Thomas Adés and Brett Dean are among the roster of now internationally acclaimed composers nurtured by Rattle early in their careers. The great conductor has been an equally powerful force for the promotion of early music, and has been the Principal Guest Conductor of the UK’s highly respected period instrument ensemble,...