Nick Higham reports: "The Berlin Philharmonic is one of the most prestigious job in the music world"

His appointment will be seen as a sign the orchestra is prepared to try new ideas both in their concerts and in their recordings. The decision was made in a series of secret ballots by the 113 voting members of the 128-strong orchestra.

Sir Simon, 44, is best known for his 17-year tenure at the head of the City Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

He is expected to take over the Berlin Philharmonic from current maestro Claudio Abbado when he steps down in 2002.

Fought off American challenge

The election was a close-fought contest between the Liverpool-born maestro and Daniel Barenboim, who conducts both in Chicago and at Berlin State Opera.

Sir Simon is expected to accept the nomination, making him the sixth conductor-in-chief in the orchestra's 117-year history and a successor to such legendary figures as Herbert von Karajan and Wilhelm Furtwaengler.

He was offered the job once before, in 1989, but said he felt he was too young at the time.

Claudio Abbado: Leaving in 2002

Abbado welcomed Sir Simon's selection, saying he expected him to continue the artistic developments he had initiated, such as programming more modern composers.

He received rave reviews at his most recent appearance as guest conductor earlier this month when he presented programmes ranging from Mozart to Mahler and Pierre Boulez.

Exclusive electorate

Critics argue over whether the Philharmonic is still first among equals, but it is certainly the only major orchestra in the world where the musicians and not the management choose the conductor-in-chief.

Such a select bunch are they that each member has to be approved by the others after a two-year trial.

Barenboim, 56, was billed as the more traditional maestro, while Simon Rattle is seen as embodying a more innovative approach to the classical repertoire.

Sir Simon is also a master of the art of publicity. Critics and musicians in Berlin have compared his good looks to the young Herbert von Karajan, who led the orchestra through its - at least financially - most successful period.

His other advantage over Daniel Barenboim was considered by insiders to be that he is not tied to an orchestra.

'Compliment to British music'

Geoffrey Levy, writing in the Daily Mail, says his election is "an unprecedented compliment to British music", which was once so belittled by its continental cousins.

But he adds: "Rattle's departure to Germany will leave a deep hole at home that weakens the international standing of British classical music".

Sir Simon, who will earn almost �1m a year in his new post, has been critical of the UK Government's arts funding policy.

"Running a British orchestra is wonderful but very hard. We spend our time jumping through hoops trying to prove our right to exist at all," he has been quoted as saying.

If he takes up the job he can expect less financial worries in Berlin but more professional stress.

Ozawa also moving

Sir Simon is not the only star of the classical firmament to be moving.

Seiji Ozawa is leaving his job as musical director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, a post which Sir Simon's name had ironically been linked with.

Ozawa, 63, has announced he is to leave Boston to take up the top post at the Vienna State Opera, also starting in 2002.

The Vienna seat has been vacant since 1991, when Abbado resigned for health reasons.