Warner Classics and Leeds International Piano Competition (LIPC) have announced a major new partnership that will launch the best of the outstanding pianistic talent of the competition to audiences around the world.
The iconic label will record an album featuring The Leeds winner, or a finalist of their choice, to be released shortly after the LIPC 2018 finals in September. The album will be made available worldwide on all formats and include the chosen artist’s live concerto performance from the final with the Hallé conducted by Edward Gardner, as well as a selection of recital repertoire from the earlier rounds.
Jean-Philippe Rolland, Warner Classics head of A&R, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with the prestigious Leeds International Piano Competition, especially at this particular time with the new exciting artistic and entrepreneurial leadership of Adam and Paul. The talent in this year’s competition is second to none and we cannot wait for the finals at Leeds Town Hall in September.”
The album will feature live recordings, remastered from medici.tv’s high-quality audio footage of all of the competition performances with the support from University of Leeds.
Adam Gatehouse, co-artistic director of Leeds International Piano Competition, added: “The competition will bring some of the world’s most talented young pianists to prominence in Leeds this September, and as part of our re-envisaging of what the competition can bring to both audiences and competitors, we have set out to ensure that those young artists have the best possible support as they go on to develop significant international careers into the future. Warner Classics, who have such a strong history in truly nurturing young artists, are the ideal partner in this and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with them.”
In addition to a Warner Classics recording, the LIPC package includes a cash prize, management with Askonas Holt, engagements with leading international promoters, festivals and orchestras including London’s Wigmore Hall, Southbank Centre and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic; and a personal mentoring programme from Paul Lewis and international pianists.
