Warner Music Revamps Classical Music Division, Names New Top Execs
Warner Music Group today announced a "new-look" classical music division and named Alain Lanceron as President, Warner Classics and Erato. In this newly-created role, Lanceron will spearhead Warner Music Group’s global classics operations which include the Parlophone Label Group and its EMI Classics and Virgin Classics labels, now Warner Classics and Erato respectively.
Lanceron joined WMG following the PLG acquisition, having previously served as President of Virgin Classics and Director of EMI Classics France. He will lead Warner Classics’ creative direction as well as oversee A&R, brand-related projects and global catalogue development. Based in Paris, he will also direct local French catalogue development.
Lanceron’s senior management team includes Jean-Philippe Rolland, today announced as Executive Vice President, International A&R and Business Development, Markus Petersen, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing and Operations and Bertrand Castellani, Vice President, International Catalogue.
In addition to its Paris-based headquarters, Warner Classics will have dedicated teams in the UK, US, Germany, France and Japan. Further local announcements will be made soon.
Recent signings to Warner Classics include opera singers Ailyn Pérez and Stephen Costello, whose debut album is out in May, and the Aurora Orchestra. On Erato, Sabine Devieilhe, Bertrand Chamayou and Edgar Moreau are the latest additions to the roster. Forthcoming releases include, amongst many others, albums from Alison Balsom, the John Wilson Orchestra, Joyce DiDonato, Emmanuel Pahud, Philippe Jaroussky and Sir Antonio Pappano.
Key catalogue releases for 2014 will feature two of the label’s most iconic legacy artists; Herbert von Karajan, with an Official Remastered Edition, and Maria Callas, whose Complete Studio Recordings have been remastered from the original master tapes.
