Naxos of America Welcomes the New Year With the Launch of Seven Labels for Distribution

FRANKLIN, TN--(Marketwire - Jan 3, 2012) - The #1 independent classical music distributor in the U.S., Naxos of America, begins 2012 with the launch of seven labels for distribution.

ASV has become a respected label for its high-quality recordings of the classical repertoire. These recordings range from performances of mainstream works to more unusual repertoire, much of it unavailable elsewhere in the catalog. Artists include Emma Johnson, The Lindsays, Dame Felicity Lott, Graham Johnson and The Schubert Ensemble.

Acclaimed for having "an enviable handle on the musical spirit of the times" (BBC Music Magazine), Black Box represents the best in contemporary music recording. With a host of world-premiere recordings, Black Box specializes in 20th and 21st century repertoire, including discs of Birtwistle, MacMillan, Messiaen, Nyman and Turnage.

The Brodsky Quartet, in conjunction with Sanctuary Classics, introduces Brodsky Records. The Quartet is a major player at the forefront of the international chamber music scene and has an obvious love for the traditional string quartet repertoire as well as collaborations with musicians like von Otter, Costello, McCartney and Björk.

New Focus Recordings is an artist-led label focusing on contemporary classical recordings that reflect a personal statement on the part of the artists. The label was founded by guitarist Daniel Lippel and composer Peter Gilbert in 2004, and concentrates on the most active young performers and composers in the New York music scene.

Formed in 1997, Acqua Records is an independent Argentinean label based in Buenos Aires. The catalog is diverse, having a strong presence of Argentinean Tango, as well as folk music, jazz, and classical. Acqua artists have won eight Gardel awards and one Latin GRAMMY® for their recordings on the label.

Teatro Real celebrates the status of one of the most-acclaimed opera houses. Under artistic director Gerard Mortier, Teatro Real boasts some of the most exciting productions in Europe. With plans to release at least five productions per year to DVD and Blu-ray, the launch of their label is exciting news in the opera community.

Opera Australia has also launched its own label on which they will offer CD, DVD and Blu-ray recordings of their most popular productions, ranging from baroque opera to newly-commissioned works. Opera Australia is dedicated to enriching Australia's cultural life through exceptional opera.