Sony Music‘s Masterworks division is increasing its presence in live music, having today (August 6) announced the acquisition of a majority stake in UK-based concert promotion and production company, Senbla.
Founded in 2011, Senbla now works across more than 200 concerts and shows per year throughout the UK. It has previously worked with artists including Joss Stone, Ennio Morricone, Marc Almond, Soft Cell, Burt Bacharach, Kristen Chenoweth, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Beverley Knight.
It has also worked on productions such as The Apollo Nights Summer Series, Star Wars In Concert, Beauty and The Beast, Love Actually, Electric Soul Festival, Hair The Musical and Circus 1903.
Senbla will continue to be run by its founder and CEO, Ollie Rosenblatt, who will work alongside the Sony Music Masterworks management team, in particular Chief Operating Officer, Mark Cavell and UK Label Head, Sarah Thwaites, who will also serve on the Senbla Board of Directors.
“The combination of Senbla with Sony Music Masterworks gives us a broader platform to grow opportunities in live performance, not only for artists and content owners but also for consumers.”
Ollie Rosenblatt, Senbla
Mark Cavell noted: “Building on our very successful live business following the 100% acquisition of Raymond Gubbay Ltd. last year, the opportunity to acquire a majority stake in Senbla and to work with the creative and entrepreneurial skills of founder & CEO, Ollie Rosenblatt was exactly the right move for Sony Music Masterworks as we further expand our footprint in the area of quality live entertainment. These acquisitions provide the perfect platform to grow this business exponentially both in UK and overseas”.
Sarah Thwaites added: “I am thrilled to be working closely with Ollie Rosenblatt, who has one of the most innovative minds in the business. The natural synergies in the work of Masterworks and Senbla, for artists and for audiences alike, will provide exciting opportunities for collaboration and growth”.
Senbla founder, Ollie Rosenblatt commented: “I’m delighted to now be in partnership with the Sony Music Masterworks team. Senbla is about enhancing value for artists and the value of content.
“The combination of Senbla with Sony Music Masterworks gives us a broader platform to grow opportunities in live performance, not only for artists and content owners but also for consumers. Following this deal we will be developing new formats and concepts and expanding our business with a real sense of energy and excitement. I am very much looking forward to be working with such a dynamic and forward thinking team in Mark and Sarah”.
As well as working on artist touring and concerts, Senbla also creates events around films in concert, holograms, musicals, theatre and family entertainment.
