Naxos Founder Klaus Heymann Acquires Chandos Records

Naxos will handle the label's worldwide distribution — but many other aspects of the business will remain unchanged

Klaus Heymann, the founder of the Naxos label, has acquired the British independent label Chandos Records. The label will be held under the umbrella of the wider Naxos Music Group, and Naxos will handle its worldwide distribution. Chandos managing director Ralph Couzens will retain his role, and the company will continue with its planned schedule of upcoming releases.

Founded in 1979 by Brian Couzens (the father of Ralph), Chandos has a catalog comprising more than 3,000 recordings, and its roster features artists such as Sir Andrew Davis, Neeme Järvi, Dame Sarah Connolly, Doric String Quartet, Brodsky Quartet, Jennifer Pike, Tasmin Little, and the Sinfonia of London.

The label releases between 40 and 50 new recordings each year, and was the recipient of Gramophone magazine’s Record Label of the Year award in 2022.

Chandos is the second independent British label to be absorbed into a larger company in recent memory, with Universal Music Group having acquired Hyperion Records in March 2023.

"It is hard to remember a more vibrant time for Chandos Records," Couzens said. "We are lucky to work with a group of artists whose dedication, enthusiasm, skill and imagination result in music making of the highest order. Translating this artistry to the recorded medium with our dedicated team of in-house engineers and producers is not only a privilege – it really is the backbone of Chandos Records."

"The continuation of these relationships, the Chandos brand and all it stands for is so important to me, continuing what my father started 45 years ago. I’m delighted that after our very first meeting I found that Klaus Heymann, like me, had such a passion for classical music and its recorded legacy – a passion that I have increasingly felt is missing within our industry."

"I decided to acquire Chandos personally to give Ralph the certainty that the label will remain independent long-term," Heymann said. "Ralph Couzens has successfully led Chandos for the last 20 years and I am grateful to him for agreeing to continue running the company which is essential for maintaining its image and status, especially when it comes to A&R policy."

"The Naxos Group will provide distribution and certain administrative services to Chandos allowing the company to focus on its core mission. And I will do my best to keep the company among the leading classical labels in the world."