Sir Simon Rattle has renewed his recording contract with EMI Classics which will extend their relationship past the 30 year mark. Over the next four years Rattle and his orchestra, the Berliner Philharmoniker, will make 12 recordings. These will include the complete Nutcracker ballet by Tchaikovsky, a programme of American music which includes a new commission by Wynton Marsalis, and a disc that includes Schoenberg’s Begleitungsmusik zu einer Lichtspielszene (“Music for a Cinematographic Scene”). “In a time where recording contracts are rare enough to be an endangered species,” commented Rattle, “I feel both lucky and privileged to be working further with EMI Classics, my loyal and brave partners of more than 30 years. The orchestra and I are delighted to be able to carry on bringing our music making to a hopefully ever wider audience, and are very touched by the faith of EMI in our partnership.” Rattle’s producer, and EMI’s A&R VP, Stephen Johns added, “Over the past 30 years, Sir Simon has brought remarkable performances of remarkable music to wide audiences around the world, always opening eyes and ears with his fresh insights and authoritative performances. Nowhere is this more evident than in his relationship with the Berliner Philharmoniker, arguably the greatest orchestra in the world." Rattle has recently extended his contract with the Berliner Philharmoniker until 2018, and he is currently on a US tour which features the Brahms symphonies and music by Schoenberg – it was during the tour that he signed the new contract.