The cover star of the September issue of Gramophone is Sir Simon Rattle. The conductor talks to Geoffrey Norris about how his work in Berlin to unite orchestra and community has paved the way for his move to the LSO in September 2017.

Elsewhere in the issue, we explore a fascinating project created by record label NMC, London's Science Museum and Aurora Orchestra to create new music inspired by science, and we also go behind the scenes at Sir Antonio Pappano's recording sessions of Verdi's Aida in Rome.

We also reveal the Top 3 shortlisted recordings in each category for this year's Gramophone Awards.

And don't miss our 2015-16 Season Preview – your comprehensive guide to the best concerts in the UK, Europe and North America.

Add to this our reviews of the most recent classical releases by our resident panel of critics, as well as a fascinating Collection by Jed Distler on Beethoven's mighty Diabelli Variations, and you'll find a September issue that you won't be able to put down!

To find out more about subscribing to Gramophone – the world's leading classical music magazine – please visit our subscriptions page.