The Russian maestro beats Thielemann and Dudamel to succeed Sir Simon Rattle in 2018.

The Russian conductor Kirill Petrenko has been elected as the next Chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic. The musicians made their decision after a relatively brief three hour meeting yesterday, breaking the deadlock that appeared to exist following their previous electoral’conclave’ six weeks ago.

Petrenko, who was considered an outsider as he has only guest conducted the orchestra a handful of times in the past, and not within the last couple of years, was elected by a large majority of members as Chief Conductor Designate to follow Sir Simon Rattle in August 2018. He will also become Artistic Director of the Berliner Philharmoniker Foundation.

“Words cannot express my feelings – everything from euphoria and great joy to awe and disbelief,,” said Petrenko via a BPO press release. “I am aware of the responsibility and high expectations of me, and I will do everything in my power to be a worthy conductor of this outstanding orchestra. Above all, however, I hope for many moments of artistic happiness in our music-making together which will reward our hard work and fill our lives as artists with meaning.”

The surprise announcement...