Universal Music Group Launches Classical and Jazz Departments for Chinese Market

Pianists and Deutsche Grammophon artists Lang Lang and Yuja Wang, as well as conductor Long Yu, will serve as Artistic Advisors

Universal Music Group has announced that it will launch dedicated classical and jazz labels for the Chinese market, having traditionally only offered mainstream pop in the country.

As part of this move, the Universal Music Greater China division has established Deutsche Grammophon China and Blue Note Records China, with the ultimate goal of unearthing new Chinese musical talent and bringing this playing to global audiences.

Pianists Lang Lang and Yuja Wang, as well as conductor Long Yu, are among the Deutsche Grammophon artists who have been asked to serve as Artistic Advisors for the project.

The new label has already announced some releases, to begin with cellist Jian Wang's recording of the complete Bach Cello Suites, and this disc will be released on May 23, 2025. A further project will see the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra record and release the complete Shostakovich Symphonies in 2029 — which will coincide with the orchestra’s 150th anniversary.

"For decades, Deutsche Grammophon and Blue Note have held a special place in the hearts of Chinese classical and jazz musicians," said Timothy Xu, CEO of Universal Music Greater China. "These labels have deeply influenced the way local artists understand, study, and create within these genres."

"Today marks a new beginning – for the first time, these two iconic brands are establishing dedicated labels in China to engage directly with local artists and communities."

"DG China and Blue Note Records China will be fully committed to discovering and supporting the next generation of talent emerging from China. Through these efforts, we hope to contribute to the growth and appreciation of classical and jazz music in China, and to help bring the richness of Chinese musical expression into deeper dialogue with the world."

"In the past decade Deutsche Grammophon has hugely increased its visibility in the vibrant Chinese classical music market, with the 120th anniversary gala concert in the Forbidden City, the re-signing of Lang Lang, and the comprehensive collaboration with Long Yu and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra," said Dr Clemens Trautmann, President of Deutsche Grammophon.

“We are proud to co-invest in the future generation of outstanding classical performers from Greater China, together with our esteemed colleagues at UMGC to foster the success of amazing new talent across recording, touring and brand partnerships."