Universal Music Group Acquires British Classical Label Hyperion Records

Hyperion will join Universals portfolio of classical labels, including Deutsche Grammophon and Decca Classics

Founded in 1980 by the late Ted Perry MBE, Hyperion has been managed by his son Simon Perry for over 20 years. It has been the recording label for artists such as Marc-André Hamelin, Angela Hewitt, Sir Stephen Hough, Alina Ibragimova, Steven Isserlis, Dame Emma Kirkby, Steven Osborne, the Takács Quartet, to name a few.

The label will now join Universal Music Group (UMG), one of the world leaders in music-based entertainment and home to Deutsche Grammophon (founded in 1898) and Decca Classics (established in 1929).

“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," said Director of Hyperion Records Simon Perry. "By being part of UMG, 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.”

Presenting multiple styles of classical music from a period ranging from the 12th to 21st centuries, Hyperion has released almost 2,500 recordings over its 43-year history. These include no fewer than 85 volumes of Romantic Piano Concertos, pianist Leslie Howard’s 99-CD complete Liszt Edition, and the 40-CD Schubert Edition of all the composer’s songs from many of the world’s finest singers.

Forthcoming and new releases from Hyperion Records include Vaughan Williams’Sinfonia Antartica and Symphony No.9 with BBC Symphony Orchestra under Martyn Brabbins, a series dedicated to the Masses and Magnificats of Cristóbal de Morales, Haydn’s String Quartets Opp. 42 and 77 from the London Haydn Quartet, and a program of choral works by Ivo Antognini from Stephen Layton and the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge.

“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," said President and CEO, Global Classics & Jazz, Universal Music Group Dickon Stainer.

"Hyperion has become famous for discovering works by lesser-known composers as well as recording the standard repertoire but in a unique way, always with huge commitment and integrity," commented Hyperion artist and violinist Alina Ibragimova. "I am looking forward to many more years of working with Simon Perry and his team in this new chapter as they join Universal Music Group."