My heros: Rattle, Abbado & Davis
During our formative years, musicians are moulded by many influences. Obviously our teachers hold enormous sway, taking on the role of musical parents by establishing the basics of instrumental technique while introducing repertoire at the right time. But like any artist we are often influenced just as much, if not more, by professionals we may not know. The people we admire in our profession can inspire us through their recordings, their public persona and the blueprint of their career. All of this is true for me. I had wonderful teachers at school, university and music college, but as a conductor, the greatest influences were three giants whose influence came entirely from afar. I sometimes think of them, jokingly, as The Holy Trinity: Sir Simon Rattle,