Naxos of America to Begin Distribution of Chandos in April
Posted by David in Naxos NewsOn April 1, 2008, Naxos of America, the #1 independent classical music distributor in the U.S., will begin distribution of the prestigious UK-based Chandos label.
Chandos, which celebrates its 28th anniversary this year, is one of the finest independent classical labels in the world, celebrated for its world-class artists, unusual repertoire, and superb sound and engineering. It has pioneered the idea of the ‘series’; its catalog features an impressive roster of British composers and artists, as well as a masterful film music series and the critically-acclaimed “Opera in English” series. Chandos is also dedicated to the SACD format, in which it has released over 40 discs.
“We are very excited to take on distribution for Chandos in North America. Chandos is one of the most respected classical music labels in the world and we consider them a very important addition to the Naxos family of distributed labels. We look forward to a long and productive working relationship,” said Jim Selby, Naxos’ CEO. Chandos’ Managing Director Ralph Couzens commented, “I am delighted that we have agreed a deal with NoA for physical distribution in the US. The move ties in very well with distribution of our digital catalog which NoA is also handling for us. This is a new era for Chandos and we look forward with anticipation to a successful and mutually beneficial relationship.”
Since its founding in 1979, Chandos has championed rare and neglected repertoire, filling in many gaps in record catalogues and exposing audiences to the music of British composers, including Alwyn, Bax, Dyson, Moeran, and Rubbra. Today, Chandos’ richly diverse catalogue contains over 1500 titles and includes recordings of music, ancient and modern, by composers from around the globe. Chandos issues at least five new recordings a month—together with re-issues of back catalogue material—rivalling major classical companies.
This year, Chandos earned six GRAMMY® nominations as well as numerous citations in Gramophone, including “Editor’s Choice.” Chandos’ impressive artist roster includes American opera singers Christine Brewer, Jennifer Larmore, and Bruce Ford, as well as esteemed conductors Richard Hickox, Neeme Järvi and Gianandrea Noseda. In addition, the following artists are associated with, or exclusive to, the label: Matthias Bamert, Rumon Gamba, Sir Charles Mackerras, David Parry, Kathryn Stott, Louis Lortie, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Howard Shelley, Simon Standage, Lydia Mordkovitch, Yan Pascal Tortelier, Vernon Handley, the BBC Philharmonic, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the City of London Sinfonia, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Danish National Choir and Symphony Orchestra, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Opera Australia, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Phoenix Bach Choir, The Purcell Quartet, I Fagiolini and Collegium Musicum 90.
Chandos has received numerous awards from Gramophone: 2001 Record of the Year for Richard Hickox’s recording of the original version of Vaughan Williams’ A London Symphony; Best Choral Recording of 2003 for a rediscovered Mass by Hummel; Best Orchestral Recording of 2004 for a set of Bax’s Symphonies; and Editor’s Choice of 2006 for Stanford: Songs of the Sea/Songs of the Fleet. The Chandos recording of Britten’s Peter Grimes, conducted by Richard Hickox, received an American GRAMMY® Award.
In October, Naxos of America began worldwide digital distribution of Chandos on iTunes. The Chandos catalog became available on major digital music retailers, including eMusic.com and Amazonmp3.com, on January 1, 2008.
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