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Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) has launched Deutsche Grammophon China and Blue Note Records China, marking a major expansion into the country’s growing classical and jazz music sectors.
“As two of the most iconic and influential labels in global classical and jazz history, Deutsche Grammophon and Blue Note will now operate dedicated China imprints through collaboration with UMGC, bringing their artistic excellence and storied legacy into closer dialogue with China’s music community,” said a statement.
Both new labels will focus on identifying and supporting rising Chinese talent, as well as helping them to connect with global audiences.
Timothy Xu, chairman & CEO of Universal Music Greater China, said: “For decades, Deutsche Grammophon and Blue Note have held a special place in the hearts of Chinese classical and jazz musicians. These labels have deeply influenced the way local artists understand, study, and create within these genres. Today marks a new beginning – for the first time, these two iconic brands are establishing dedicated labels in China to engage directly with local artists and communities. DG China and Blue Note Records China will be fully committed to discovering and supporting the next generation of talent emerging from China. Through these efforts, we hope to contribute to the growth and appreciation of classical and jazz music in China, and to help bring the richness of Chinese musical expression into deeper dialogue with the world.”
Adam Granite, executive vice president, market development, Universal Music Group, said: “At UMG, we are committed to supporting the development of diverse music cultures around the world. The launch of Deutsche Grammophon China and Blue Note Records China reflects this vision in action and marks a meaningful step forward in the evolution of our multi-label operations in the market. By combining the global heritage and artistic leadership of these two iconic labels with the market knowledge and cultural insight of our local team, we are creating a stronger platform to connect Chinese talent with global opportunities.”
At the launch event, it was also announced that pianists Lang Lang and Yuja Wang, and Long Yu, conductor and music director of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra – all long-time international DG artists – will serve as artistic advisors to DG China.
Dr Clemens Trautmann, president Deutsche Grammophon and new business strategy Global Classics, said: “In the past decade Deutsche Grammophon has hugely increased its visibility in the vibrant Chinese classical music market, with the 120th anniversary gala concert in the Forbidden City, the re-signing of Lang Lang, and the comprehensive collaboration with Long Yu and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. We are proud to co-invest in the future generation of outstanding classical performers from Greater China, together with our esteemed colleagues at UMGC to foster the success of amazing new talent across recording, touring and brand partnerships.
“Embarking on this journey alongside the equally iconic Blue Note imprint and with our international artists Lang Lang, Yuja Wang and Long Yu as artistic advisors, underlines the global footprint and boundless creativity of UMG in the field of arts music.“
Embarking on this journey alongside the equally iconic Blue Note imprint underlines the global footprint and boundless creativity of UMG in the field of arts music
Dr Clemens Trautmann
DG China will release its first album on May 23, 2025 – Bach: The Cello Suites, performed by Jian Wang.
DG China has also announced a special project with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra to record and globally release the complete Shostakovich Symphonies in 2029, commemorating the orchestra’s 150th anniversary.
The DG China launch event was also attended by leading figures from China’s classical community, including composers Zhao Lin and Yu-Peng Chen and Fedina Zhou, president of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.
Blue Note Records China’s first signing is INNOUT, an avant-garde jazz duo composed of guitarist Xiao Jun and drummer An Yu.
Don Was, president of Blue Note Records, said: “Xiao Jun and An Yu are two of the most talented and visionary musicians I’ve ever met. Their music is going to ‘blow people’s minds’ all over the world. It’s a thrill and an honour to be able to launch Blue Note Records China with their music.”
In addition, Blue Note Records China will form a partnership with JZ Music. The collaboration will focus on live performance opportunities aimed at expanding the presence and visibility of Chinese jazz on both local and international stages.
Ren Yuqing, founder of JZ Music, said: “We’re excited to join forces with Blue Note Records China to bring more original Chinese jazz to the stage. Together, we hope to create more platforms for artists to perform, grow, and connect with wider audiences – both at home and abroad.”
Justin Seltzer, executive vice president and general manager of Blue Note Records, added: “Partnering with JZ Music allows us to work alongside one of the most trusted and influential names in China’s jazz community. With their deep local roots and long-standing commitment to live music, we’re proud to create new opportunities for Chinese jazz to flourish and engage in the global conversation.”
PHOTO: (L-R) Stacy Yang, Timothy Xu, Dr Clemens Trautmann and Adam Granite
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