Sir Simon Rattle recently lobbied for a 'proper' concert venue to be built in London
Conductor Sir Simon Rattle is to join the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) as its music director.
Sir Simon said it was "a very obvious step - and the idea of coming home and having a position in this fantastic city is also a thrill for me".
He is currently director of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, where he has been since 2002 and has three years left on his contract.
He will take up the position at the LSO from September 2017.
'Proper' London venues
The announcement, made on Tuesday at the LSO's Barbican home, follows months of speculation Sir Simon would take up the post.
His first appearance with the orchestra was in October 1977, at the age of 22.
Sir Simon, now 60, made headlines last month when he told the BBC London's concert halls were not up to international standards.
Speaking ahead of a sold-out London residency with the Berlin Philharmonic at the Barbican, the revered conductor said he would consider a London move if there was a "proper" venue.
"You have no idea how great the London Symphony Orchestra can sound in a great concert hall," he told BBC arts editor Will Gompertz.
