NAXOS MUSIC GROUP: CORPORATE INFORMATION

Established in 1987 as a record label, Naxos was the brainchild of Klaus Heymann, a German-born entrepreneur and music lover based in Hong Kong. Initially he capitalised on the opportunity to provide repertoire driven classical CDs at more affordable prices, which soon led to Naxos becoming a preferred label for many consumers. Since that time, the company has undergone a truly remarkable development. It has transformed into a global enterprise that owns, administers and/or distributes a large number of independent record labels. The Naxos name is synonymous not only with classical music recordings, but also with a host of other products and services, from DVDs to books, ebooks, audiobooks, apps, and musical scores, as well as a wide range of online resources and services, for general and professional consumption.

Under Klaus Heymann’s leadership, Naxos has redefined how classical music is presented and marketed. Innovative strategies of recording exciting new repertoire with exceptional talent have enabled our house label to develop one of the largest and fastest-growing catalogues of unduplicated repertoire. Over 11,000 titles are currently available at affordable prices, recorded in state-of-the-art sound, both in hard format and on digital platforms. Naxos works with artists of the highest calibre and its recordings have been recognised with numerous GRAMMY® awards, Penguin Guide 3-star recommendations, Gramophone Editor’s Choice Awards and many other international honours. Its audiobooks, apps and subscription services have also garnered countless awards.

Naxos has extended the reach of classical music by building a global network of companies which provide distribution and licensing services to several hundred independent and major CD and DVD labels. With fifteen subsidiaries and 40 distributors, we have the world covered when it comes to getting music into the hands of people who want to own a classical recording.

Naxos continues as a leader and innovator, with particular emphasis on education. NaxosMusicLibrary.com is used by thousands of educational institutions around the world. With over 140,000 albums from hundreds of labels, it has become a source of choice for a whole generation of students and music professionals. Together with the Naxos video and spoken word libraries, these online resources have had a great impact in developing future audiences for the classical arts.

Naxos remains committed to making full use of the new possibilities afforded by technology and media in its mission to broaden the accessibility of classical music. Our growing programme of ebooks, i-books and integrated media products are constantly building on our past efforts to introduce new listeners to the world of classical music. All our digital services are accessible via smartphone applications, making them readily available from mobile phones, iPods, iPads and other music players and tablet devices.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Naxos was founded and developed by people who love classical music and are passionate believers in its future. The Naxos Group will continue to be a leader and innovator, especially where opportunities arise to make classical music more accessible through content, price and delivery. The three principles of repertoire, value and innovation remain firmly at the heart of all its undertakings.