Sony Music Masterworks and UK-based classical music publishing company Wise Music Group have inked a strategic partnership to identify and sign artist and composer talent.
Masterworks and Wise Music will work together to sign new writers in the broad-based classical genre to recording and publishing agreements, with plans to develop “successful, multi-faceted and long-term careers”.
The first two signings under the new agreement are Icelandic instrumental duo Hugar and New York based post-classical composer, Eydís Evensen.
The agreement enhances Masterworks’ portfolio and continues a series of strategic growth initiatives in support of its compelling roster of major artists.
Masterworks recently announced its acquisition of a 100% stake in ballet and event promoter Raymond Gubbay Ltd (RGL) and an acquisition of film and television score and soundtrack specialist, Milan Records.
The Sony Music company also acquired a majority stake in concert promotion and production company Senbla in August 2019.
Additionally, the company recently formed RoadCo, a new booking agency specializing in live events and attractions for viewers of all ages, and most recently, the acquisition of a majority stake in Terrapin Station Entertainment, distinguished US-based artist management and production company.
Wise Music Group owns or controls nearly half a million copyrights and represents nearly 100 of today’s most successful living composers and songwriters working in classical music, opera, ballet, pop, film, television and advertising.
Composers include Hans Abrahamsen, Ólafur Arnalds, Samuel Barber, John Corigliano, Ludovico Einaudi, Philip Glass, Aram Khachaturian, Missy Mazzoli, Olivier Messiaen, Francis Poulenc, Sergei Prokofiev, Kaija Saariaho, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Dmitri Shostakovich, Jean Sibelius, Igor Stravinsky, Tan Dun, Joby Talbot, John Tavener and Anna Thorvaldsdóttir.
“We are excited to be working with the creative and experienced team at Wise Music Group to further grow our business in the UK and around the world.”
Mark Cavell, Sony Music Masterworks
Sony Music Masterworks President, Mark Cavell said: “We are excited to be working with the creative and experienced team at Wise Music Group to further grow our business in the UK and around the world.
“By bringing together the incomparable skills and experience of both teams, we can offer artists the best possible home for their recorded and published works.”
“The potential of the resultant joined-up thinking of our creative teams is indeed exciting.”
James Rushton, Wise Music Group
Wise Music Group Head of Classical Publishing, James Rushton, added: “We are delighted to be able to explore hand in glove with our long-time friends Sony Music Masterworks new relationships with new writers.
“The potential of the resultant joined-up thinking of our creative teams is indeed exciting.”Music Business Worldwide
