Daniel Hope and DG Extend Exclusive Contract

Daniel Hope and Deutsche Grammophon today announced a long-term extension to their recording agreement, reaffirming Daniel Hope's continuing exclusive relationship with the world's most renowned classical label.

A member of the legendary Beaux Arts Trio from 2002 to 2008, Hope appears regularly as a soloist with the leading orchestras and conductors of our time. He has been the recipient of countless awards, including the German Record Critics' Prize and five ECHO awards. Along with the Baroque, Classical and Romantic repertoire, he is a powerful advocate for contemporary works, many of which he has given acclaimed first performances. At the 2009 BBC Proms in London, for example, he introduced Sir Peter Maxwell Davies's violin concerto Fiddler on the Shore with the Gewandhaus Orchestra of Leipzig.

The musician Daniel Hope has also established himself as an initiator of major humanitarian projects and events. In undertakings such as "Tu was!" (Do Something!) and other benefit concerts, he has demonstrated a deep political commitment to causes which include the fight against climate change and the ongoing campaign to remember victims of the Holocaust. Hope has also been Associate Artistic Director of the Savannah Music Festival in the USA since 2004 and, since 2011, Artistic Director of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival in Germany.

It may be thanks to something in his South African-British background that Daniel Hope has never perceived himself or his art to be in any way elitist. His aim is to inform as many people as possible about classical music at its best, and he achieves this not only by playing, but also by writing. In books like Wann darf ich klatschen? (When do I applaud?) and Toi, toi, toi! (Break a leg!) he offers a humorous but always highly informative behind-the-scenes viewpoint of classical music. He's also a popular radio and TV presenter, conceiving and presenting programs for – most recently – the BBC and Arte.

Daniel Hope is constantly in search of new musical paths – that is irrefutable. It's therefore only logical that he should appear regularly at the Yellow Lounge, Deutsche Grammophon's legendary event series in Berlin. It brings classical music into clubs, where DJs spin tracks ranging from Bach to Cage, but the highlight of every Yellow Lounge is a live performance by a classical star. On January 23, 2012, marking the 300th birthday of Frederick the Great – not only King and statesman but also the composer of a rich musical legacy – Daniel Hope will be appearing at Berlin's notorious nightclub, Berghain.

Frank Briegmann, President of UNIVERSAL MUSIC Germany/Austria/Switzerland and of Deutsche Grammophon: "The continuation of our long-term collaboration with Daniel is a great thing. He's not only a world-class musician but also a political human being and the valued conversational partner of many, one whose insightful analyses have become as legendary as his ingenious sense of humor. Daniel is one of those classical artists with true star quality, one who also connects with people who may not yet have had much contact to classical music. This breath of fresh air, which he has also brought to Deutsche Grammophon, is what classical music needs to sustain and expand its audiences. I wish Daniel and the entire team continued great success and enjoyment, and I already look forward eagerly to the forthcoming projects!"

Daniel Hope: "Since signing my first contract with DG in 2006, I have been privileged to plan and work with the Yellow Label on eight diverse recordings, including music composed in Theresienstadt, a Baroque journey, a tribute to Joseph Joachim, Michael Tippett's Triple Concerto and even a musical celebration of Frederick the Great. I am delighted that both my belief in the "concept album" and DG's unique support and encouragement have enabled me to make a very personal musical statement. My first recording under the new contract will be Hollywood Exiles, devoted to composers who fled the Nazis and settled in America. I look forward immensely to the continued work with my friends at DG and to recording a lot more music together!"