Universal Music has acquired British classical label Hyperion Records. Founded by the late Ted Perry in 1980 and managed by his son Simon for the last 20 years, the label will remain a standalone brand within the Decca Label Group.
CEO of Global Classics & Jazz for the Universal Music Group, Dickon Stainer, says: “Hyperion is a jewel of a label and we are committed to continuing the magnificent work done by the Perry family and to preserving and building on the special place Hyperion occupies in the hearts of artists and music fans alike”.
Simon Perry adds: “I’m THRILLED to bring Hyperion to Universal Music Group, a company that shares Hyperion’s commitment to bringing the most distinctive and brilliant musicians to as wide a public as possible”.
“By being part of UMG”, he goes on, “while keeping our artists and staff together, we can continue to build on my father’s legacy and that of everyone who’s been part of the Hyperion family over the past 43 years. My debt to all of them is huge and I look forward to leading this incredible label into an exciting new chapter”.
Co-Presidents of Decca Label Group Tom Lewis and Laura Monks say in their own statement: “We are enormously proud that Hyperion has joined Universal's family of classical labels to sit alongside Decca Classics in London”.
“Simon and his father have created a very important recorded classical catalogue that serves a dedicated global audience”, they add. “And the label continues to work with artists who are the best of the best. We are determined to celebrate the label's legacy and continue its extraordinary story”.
Upcoming Hyperion releases include Vaughan Williams’ ‘Sinfonia Antartica’ and ‘Symphony No 9’ performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Haydn’s ‘String Quartets Opp 42 and 77’ performed by the London Haydn Quartet.