Sony Classical has signed organist Cameron Carpenter on a multi-album contract, with his debut record set for release in 2014.
Lauded for his technical ability and showmanship, the American-born Carpenter has variously been called maverick, virtuoso, and ‘madly original’.
Recording on his forthcoming release is set to take place on Carpenter’s new touring organ. Built by US digital organ specialists Marshall and Ogletree LLC, the organ uses a modular five-console keyboard.
The unique instrument aims to combine both the classical cathedral organ and the cinema organ in one, showcasing Carpenter’s diverse repertoire.
Carpenter said: ‘What I’m attempting to bring to the organ is modernity and globalisation, because I want to play the world’s greatest organ in Tokyo and at the Royal Albert Hall. I am very lucky to live in the first time where technologically I have the ability to do that – at risk of controversy and to my reputation. But, as Jean Cocteau said, reputation is the smallest part of me.’
President of Sony Classical, Bogdan Roscic, said: ‘Cameron is one of the very, very few artists who could even contemplate a project like this. With his charisma, his mind-boggling virtuosity, the ability to create original music for himself and others but above all his vision for a new organ, he will give the most majestic and all-encompassing of instruments a new place on the world’s stages. We are tremendously excited to be his partners as the touring organ begins its journey.’
Julliard alumni Carpenter has played at the BBC Proms and with the Berlin Philharmonic, as well as made appearances in Munich, Luxembourg, Moscow, Melbourne, Sydney, New York and Los Angeles.
By Maryam Mahetar
