Simon Halsey principal conductor of the Rundfunkchor Berlin
Our philosophy is to work under the best conditions possible: with
the best orchestras, the best conductors and a well-balanced repertoire (Simon Halsey)
Simon Halsey has directed the Rundfunkchor Berlin since April 2001, involving it in numerous innovative projects internationally along with regular work with the chorus’s three permanent partners: the Berliner Philharmoniker, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester and Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin.
Together with the choir’s general manager Hans Rehberg, Simon Halsey launched the acclaimed series Broadening the Scope of Choral Music. He initiated the annual Sing-Along Concerts, which enjoy cult status. Under his direction the Rundfunkchor takes part in the Berliner Philharmoniker’s education projects and collaborates in the Liederbörse with children and young people and in the LeaderChor with highly qualified amateur singers.
The indefatigable Englishman was born in London in 1958, the son of a famous choral conductor and a singer. He was a choral scholar at New College, Oxford and King’s College, Cambridge. Following a brief period of conducting studies at the Royal College of Music in London and an assistant conductorship at the Royal Scottish Opera in Glasgow, he became music director of the University of Warwick at the age of 22.
His wide-ranging activities caught the attention of Simon Rattle, who invited him to assume the direction of the City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus. In 26 years of undiminished close and friendly collaboration, the two have launched countless projects. In Birmingham alone, Halsey has founded three further choirs and, together with Graham Vick, the City of Birmingham Touring Opera.
In addition, Halsey has prepared choruses and conducted all over the world. From 1989-94 he was artistic director of the Salisbury Festival and choral director of Vlaamse Opera in Antwerp and from 2002-08 principal conductor of the Netherlands Radio Chorus in Hilversum. Besides Rundfunkchor Berlin, Simon Halsey directs his Birmingham choirs. He is also principal conductor (for choral programmes) of the Northern Sinfonietta, which since 2004 has been resident at The Sage, Lord Foster’s spectacular cultural centre in Gateshead.
