Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra Partner with Classical Music Label Deutsche Grammophon

The Philadelphia Orchestra, under the leadership of its Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, today announced a partnership with iconic classical music label Deutsche Grammophon-in the form of a recording scheduled to be released in the fall of 2013. This is the Orchestra's first studio album with a major label since its recording with Deutsche Grammophon in 1997. The works will be recorded this spring in the Orchestra's home, Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, and will feature Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and which Leopold Stokowski premiered in the U.S. with The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1922. Stokowski also made the first American recording of this work with the ensemble in 1930. In addition to The Rite of Spring, other works include Stokowski transcriptions for full symphony orchestra of three of Bach's most famous organ works-his Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor, Fugue in G minor ("Little"), and Toccata and Fugue in D minor-as well as his transcription of Stravinsky's "Pastorale".

Last July, Deutsche Grammophon announced the beginning of a long-term collaboration with Philadelphia Orchestra Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Since his arrival in Philadelphia, Nézet-Séguin has been eager to record the special musical bond he and the Orchestra now share.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin comments, "This is a proud moment for me and for my Philadelphia Orchestra, to announce this project with Deutsche Grammophon in my very first year as music director. Since I first conducted in Philadelphia I have felt a deep connection with these musicians, and I am so eager to capture that magic and share our incredible musical partnership with listeners beyond the bounds of our concert hall. Now the whole world will be able to hear and experience our work together!"

"Yannick and the musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra are simply phenomenal together," said Orchestra President and CEO Allison Vulgamore. "This recording project will take the excitement and momentum they create and propel it further, delighting listeners worldwide with our Philadelphia Sound. We are honored to partner with Deutsche Grammophon to expand our recording legacy into our future."

"Yannick Nézet-Séguin is one of the most remarkable talents of his generation," comments Ute Fesquet, Vice President Artist & Repertoire of Deutsche Grammophon. "With his exceptional accomplishments as a conductor he has built a fantastic reputation in the international classical scene. As Deutsche Grammophon is proudly accompanying his sky-rocketing career with prestigious recording projects, it is natural that Yannick's burgeoning partnership with the Philadelphia Orchestra-one of the great musical institutions in the classical world-is an integral part of these activities. And what else should come first than this album, conceived as a tribute to Leopold Stokowski, Yannick's legendary predecessor on the Philadelphia podium."

The Philadelphia Orchestra is widely known for its innovative use of technology as well as for its legacy of award-winning recordings. For more information, visit www.philorch.org, www.deutschegrammophon.com, or www.askonasholt.co.uk.

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