“Distinguished classical music label Hyperion has been acquired by Universal Music Group (UMG), joining the latter’s other classical labels, Deutsche Grammophon and Decca Classics,” writes Susan Elliott in Thursday’s (3/16) Musical America (subscription required). “Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but presumably it will widen distribution for the 42-year-old British label, which, however, can no long boast ‘independent’ status…. UMG states it will remain a standalone entity under its current Managing Director Simon Perry, son of founder Ted Perry. With repertoire spanning the 12th through the 21st century, Gregorian chant through full blown Romanticism and beyond, Hyperion has issued some 2500 titles across its 43-year history and boasts such artists as Marc-André Hamelin, Angela Hewitt, Sir Stephen Hough, Alina Ibragimova, Steven Isserlis, Dame Emma Kirkby, Steven Osborne, the Takács Quartet…. ‘By being part of UMG while keeping our artists and staff together,’ said Perry, ‘we can continue to build on my father’s legacy and that of everyone who’s been part of the Hyperion family …’ UMG President and CEO of Global Classics & Jazz [Dickon Stainer] called Hyperion ‘a jewel of a label’ and committed to ‘preserving and building on’ its work.”
