Composer and Conductor Tan Dun Signs to Decca Classics

The Chinese-American composer will release three new albums on the label in 2023, two of which are world premiere recordings

The Chinese-American composer and conductor Tan Dun recently signed with Decca Classics, and will release three major albums on the label in 2023 alone.

The first release is "Five Souls," which includes a work for a varied small ensemble of water percussion, brass, harp, strings, and digeridoo.

In April, Decca will release a world premiere recording of Buddha Passion — a work modeled on the Christian passions of composers such as J. S. Bach, but focused on a Buddhist rather than a Christian subject. The monumental work is scored for massed choirs and orchestra as well as indigenous singers, traditional Chinese instruments, and a dancing pipa player.

The final release for the year will be "The Tears of Nature," slated for a September release. This percussion concerto reflects on three natural disasters that impacted Tan Dun's life: the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, the 2011 Japanese tsunami, and Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

"Decca has always been a dream for me," Tan Dun said. "As a young artist, I could never have imagined that one day we would embrace each other."

"I’ve worked with many recording labels over the years, but now, connecting with Decca, I understand. It is so pure and classical and, yet cool and fresh and open to all sorts of music and cultures, it is a very special place. I feel deeply honored to be part of it."

"We are so proud to welcome Tan Dun to Decca," said Decca Label Group Co-Presidents Laura Monks and Tom Lewis. "He is a global statesman for classical music; arguably one of the most inventive, energetic and warm-hearted composers alive. His story is quite extraordinary. He embodies the sometimes unimaginable and unique way in which music can change your life."