Berlin - It's a bit like the papal election, but without the white smoke. On May 11, the classical music world will learn who is to be new chief conductor of the prestigious Berlin Philharmonic.
Strictly speaking, the title is not chief conductor, but "artistic director", a position held by Britain's Sir Simon Rattle since 2002.
The 60-year-old Liverpudlian, with his characteristic (now white) mop of hair, is stepping down in 2018.
The Berlin Philharmonic -- reputedly the best orchestra in the world -- is unique in that the musicians vote for their chief conductor themselves.
Everywhere else it is boards and trustees, or sometimes politicians, who decide who will swing the baton.
But the Berlin musicians are called to vote by secret ballot, complete with paper slips and a ballot box, and are forbidden from having their mobile phones with them.
While orchestra members are sworn to absolute secrecy about the names of possible candidates, the classical music world is abuzz with a number of possible favourites.
Until recently, most observers believed it would come down to a race between Argentine-born Daniel Barenboim and Christian Thielemann from Germany, both of whom have been in the running before.
But Barenboim has announced he is not a candidate.
AFP
