The new chief conductor and artistic director will take over from Sir Simon Rattle in 2018

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Following eleven hours of secret discussion, members of the Berlin Philharmonic have been unable to decide who should be their next chief conductor and artistic director. The orchestra's 123 members met in a Berlin church yesterday and were banned from using mobile phones. Current chief Sir Simon Rattle is to step down from the role in 2018 when he will take over as music director of the London Symphony Orchestra.

‘There were positive and lively discussions and several rounds of voting, but unfortunately we were unable to agree on a conductor,’ said orchestra board member Peter Riegelbauer. ‘We must continue this process and this election. That will have to take place within one year. We are very confident that we will come to a decision then. The process of this election will be continued, and the orchestra assembly will meet regularly, but we will take the time that is necessary.’

Possible successors for Rattle include Andris Nelsons, current music director of the Birmingham and Boston symphonies; Gustavo  Dudamel, music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic; and Christian Thielemann, chief conductor of Staatskapelle Dresden.

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