Curtis Institute Releases “Scheherazade” on New Original Label

The label's first digital release features the Curtis Symphony Orchestra performing Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade”

Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of Music has recently launched its own record label, Curtis Studio. Distributed by artist services company Platoon and dedicated to the discovery of new and traditional works, Curtis Studio aims to make classical music recordings more accessible through streaming services.

The label's first release features the Curtis Symphony Orchestra performing Nikolai Rimsky-Kosakov’s “Scheherazade” with Finnish conductor Osmo Vänskä.

“The Curtis Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Scheherazade is an ideal way to launch Curtis Studio because the recording represents the breadth of what Curtis is offering through its digital media program,” said Curtis Studio executive producer Vince Ford.

“With one project, Curtis provided our students with an incredible experience as they step into professional roles and lead media projects across the field,” Ford added. “And our students (and faculty through their committed training) have provided an incredible opportunity to introduce audiences to an amazing piece of music and the artistry nurtured at Curtis.”

To purchase and listen to “Scheherazade,” click here.

This first digital release was recorded over three days in December 2021 as part of Curtis’s acclaimed audiovisual installation “Immersive Scheherazade” in May 2022. Filmed in 4K by 26 cameras, concertgoers were seated alongside the musicians while surrounded by 30-foot high projections of the orchestra.

In Spring 2023, the “Immersive Scheherazade” project will travel with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra on its tour of the west coast of the U.S. A video from its May performance will soon be available on Apple Music.

A video about the recording project and process can be viewed below.

Future Curtis Studio releases will feature pianist Michelle Cann in works by Florence Price and Margaret Bonds, recordings of the Dover Quartet, plus commissions including the recording premiere of Trio Zimbalist.

Established in 1924, the Curtis Institute of Music comprises almost 160 students, who present over 200 public concerts. An advocate of contemporary music performance, Curtis regularly commissions emerging and established composers, including Richard Danielpour, Jennifer Higdon, Bright Sheng, and Curtis alum Gabriella Smith and David Serkin Ludwig.