Sir Simon & EMI Classics renew contract

Sir Simon Rattle has signed a new contract with EMI Classics. Over the next four years, Sir Simon will make 12 CDs with EMI Classics. 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of Sir Simon’s exclusive relationship with EMI Classics, during which time he has recorded more than 250 works for the label.

Sir Simon, EMI Classics and the Berliner Philharmoniker, of which he is Chief Conductor and Artistic Director, aim to build on their successes to date: including three Grammy Awards, three Classical Brit Awards, three Gramophone Awards and two Echo Klassik Awards in Germany.

Over the next year, they will record Tchaikovsky’s complete Nutcracker Ballet, a programme of American music, including a new commission by Wynton Marsalis, and a programme of works by Schoenberg, including the rare Begleitungsmusik zu einer Lichtspielszene (Music for a Cinematographic Scene).

Commenting on the scarcity of exclusive recording contracts for composers, Sir Simon said: “In a time where recording contracts are rare enough to be an endangered species, I feel both lucky and privileged to be working further with EMI Classics, my loyal and brave partners of more than 30 years.”

Stephen Johns, Vice President Artists and Repertoire EMI Classics, commented: "Over the past 30 years, Sir Simon has brought remarkable performances of remarkable music to wide audiences around the world, always opening eyes and ears with his fresh insights and authoritative performances. Nowhere is this more evident than in his relationship with the Berliner Philharmoniker, arguably the greatest orchestra in the world."

Sir Simon signed the contract while on tour with the Berliner Philharmoniker in the US in the presence of Stephen Johns and Lorna Aizlewood, Vice President Business and Legal Affairs EMI Classics.