More EMI, and the major's classical division has announced it has renewed its partnership with the Berliner Philharmoniker, which will see the label work with the orchestra and its Music Director Simon Rattle on an exclusive basis for another five years, continuing a label partnership that has existed for nearly a century.
Confirming the new deal, EMI Classics A&R Director Stephen Johns told CMU: "We are extremely pleased to be continuing our long and close relationship with the Berliner Philharmoniker. It is their uncompromising commitment to the highest of standards in all aspects of their music-making that sets them out as perhaps the finest orchestra in the world. We look forward to sharing their vision of widening the reach of their performances, and continuing to enhance their distinguished catalogue of recordings with EMI Classics".
Berliner Philharmoniker board member (and cellist) Olaf Maninger added: "The Berliner Philharmoniker feel privileged and honoured to continue the extraordinary partnership with EMI. The combination of Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker and EMI, the strongest label for classical music, is a brand in itself, standing for the highest musical standards and a supreme way of bringing our performances and capturing the unique sound of the orchestra in recordings".