FRANKLIN, TN and ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - February 7, 2011) - On February 22, 2011, Naxos of America (http://blog.naxosusa.com/) will begin distribution of ASO Media, the new in-house record label of the Grammy® Award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (http://atlantasymphony.org/). ASO Media is the latest in a growing list of American orchestras to bring their own labels to Naxos for distribution. Other orchestras include the Cincinnati Symphony and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
The orchestra's inaugural release on ASO Media will feature Music Director Robert Spano leading the Orchestra in Atlanta School of Composers member (http://atlantasymphony.org/TheMusic/AtlantaSchoolOfComposers.aspx), and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, Jennifer Higdon's new concerto, "On A Wire", featuring the chamber ensemble eighth blackbird. A new choral work of Michael Gandolfi, another member of the Atlanta School, will also be featured on this launch recording. "QED: Engaging Richard Feynman" highlights the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Both works were commissioned by the Atlanta Symphony, and given world-premiere performances in June 2010 at Atlanta Symphony Hall.
Two additional ASO Media recordings with Mr. Spano are scheduled to be released in 2011: a spring release will feature the Atlanta Symphony's commission of Christopher Theofanidis's "Symphony"; and a fall release will include pianist Garrick Ohlsson playing Rachmaninov.
"One of the many impressive facets of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is the great recording history it has had with Telarc," said Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Music Director Robert Spano. "Our new relationship with Naxos provides the exciting opportunity to perpetuate this legacy, with our recording history remaining a vital and integral part of our future."
"Naxos of America is eager to begin this partnership with the forward-thinking Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in the distribution of its new label, ASO Media," said Naxos CEO Jim Selby. "The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, under the pioneering leadership of Music Director Robert Spano, clearly values not only beloved classical orchestral repertoire, but also that of living American composers. This alignment of principles between Naxos and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra promises to produce a long and fruitful relationship of great recordings."
Contact Information:
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra contact:
Melissa A.E. Sanders
404.733.4846