UMG Launches Deutsche Grammophon and Blue Note Records in China

Deutsche Grammophon and Blue Note Records will operate dedicated China imprints through collaboration with Universal Music Greater China (UMGC).

Why it matters:

• Deutsche Grammophon and Blue Note Records are two of the world's most influential classical music and jazz labels respectively.

• The labels will focus on identifying and supporting rising Chinese talent and building pathways for Chinese musicians to connect with global audiences.

Deutsche Grammophon China (DG China):

• Globally renowned pianists Lang Lang and Yuja Wang, as well as Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Music Director Long Yu, will serve as Artistic Directors to DG China.

• Its first release will be Bach: The Cello Suites, performed by cellist Jian Wang, on May 23.

• In conjunction with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, it will record and globally release the complete Shostakovich Symphonies in 2029.

Blue Note Records China (BNRC):

• Its first signing is avant-garde jazz duo INNOUT.

• BNRC will form a partnership with prominent Chinese jazz company JZ Music to focus on live performance opportunities to expand the presence and visibility of Chinese jazz on global stages.