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Munich (AP) - Sir Simon Rattle (65) wants to become a German citizen.
The passport has already been applied for, said the Berliner by choice on Friday a few days after his freestyle as the new chief conductor of the symphony orchestra and the choir of the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation (BRSO) in Munich.
The 65-year-old wants to keep his British citizenship.
"Of course, otherwise it would be emotionally impossible," he said.
Rattle will remain as music director with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) until mid-2023, when he wants to start the 2023/2024 concert season in Munich.
Rattle's announcement that he would be leaving the London orchestra in a good two and a half years and taking up a new post in Munich had shocked the classical world in Great Britain.
There were suspicions that Brexit could be a reason for this.
It would be easy to find political explanations for his decision, Rattle said.
"But I have to say the truth is that my decision was of course musical, but also very personal."
His three children blossomed when both parents were at home.
But he also wants to continue living as Munich's chief conductor in Berlin, where he has been at home with his family for a long time.
“Berlin is my home,” said the 65-year-old.
However, he does not want to lose contact with London.
Until the end of his career, he wanted to work with the London Symphony Orchestra for four to six weeks every year, "as long as you can take it with me!" Said Rattle.
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BR Symphony Orchestra