Universal Music Greater China launches Deutsche Grammophon China, marking a strategic expansion into China's classical scene
SHANGHAI, MAY 15, 2025 – Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), today announced the official launch of Deutsche Grammophon China (DG China) and Blue Note Records China, marking a major expansion into China’s burgeoning classical and jazz music sectors. As two of the most iconic and influential labels in global classical and jazz history, Deutsche Grammophon and Blue Note will now operate dedicated China imprints through collaboration with UMGC, bringing their artistic excellence and storied legacy into closer dialogue with China’s music community.
Both new labels will focus on identifying and supporting rising Chinese talent, fostering original creativity, and building pathways for Chinese musicians to connect with global audiences.
Timothy Xu, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Greater China, said: “For decades, Deutsche Grammophon and Blue Note have held a special place in the hearts of Chinese classical and jazz musicians. These labels have deeply influenced the way local artists understand, study, and create within these genres. Today marks a new beginning – for the first time, these two iconic brands are establishing dedicated labels in China to engage directly with local artists and communities. DG China and Blue Note Records China will be fully committed to discovering and supporting the next generation of talent emerging from China. Through these efforts, we hope to contribute to the growth and appreciation of classical and jazz music in China, and to help bring the richness of Chinese musical expression into deeper dialogue with the world.”
Adam Granite, Executive Vice President, Market Development, Universal Music Group, said: “At UMG, we are committed to supporting the development of diverse music cultures around the world. The launch of Deutsche Grammophon China and Blue Note Records China reflects this vision in action and marks a meaningful step forward in the evolution of our multi-label operations in the market. By combining the global heritage and artistic leadership of these two iconic labels with the market knowledge and cultural insight of our local team, we are creating a stronger platform to connect Chinese talent with global opportunities.”
Deutsche Grammophon China (DG China) was officially launched with a mission to discover and support the next wave of Chinese classical talent, and to contribute to the broader appreciation of classical music in the country. The label will sign and develop emerging musicians from across China, backed by UMG’s global infrastructure — from recording and repertoire development to international promotion and touring.
At the launch event, it was also announced that globally renowned pianists Lang Lang and Yuja Wang, and Long Yu, acclaimed conductor and Music Director of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra — all long-time international DG artists — will serve as Artistic Advisors to DG China.
Dr Clemens Trautmann, President Deutsche Grammophon and New Business Strategy Global Classics, comments: “In the past decade Deutsche Grammophon has hugely increased its visibility in the vibrant Chinese classical music market, with the 120th anniversary gala concert in the Forbidden City, the re-signing of Lang Lang, and the comprehensive collaboration with Long Yu and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. We are proud to co-invest in the future generation of outstanding classical performers from Greater China, together with our esteemed colleagues at UMGC to foster the success of amazing new talent across recording, touring and brand partnerships. Embarking on this journey alongside the equally iconic Blue Note imprint and with our international artists Lang Lang, Yuja Wang and Long Yu as Artistic Advisors, underlines the global footprint and boundless creativity of UMG in the field of arts Lang Lang shared a special video message celebrating the launch and said, “Deutsche Grammophon has been my musical home for many years, and I’m thrilled to see the launch of DG China. It’s an honor to serve as Artistic Advisor and continue supporting a label that has shaped my artistic journey. I believe DG China will be a key platform for emerging Chinese musicians and help connect classical music with broader audiences. I also hope it will bring more Chinese voices to the global stage — a mission I deeply believe in and am proud to be part of.”
Yuja Wang commented: “The Yellow Label has been my recording home for well over a decade, and I am delighted to see it engage with young artists in my home country. I am thrilled to support this initiative as Artistic Advisor and to help identify and grow future talent across the full spectrum of classical music.”
DG China will release its first album on May 23, 2025 — Bach: The Cello Suites, performed by internationally acclaimed cellist Jian Wang. “Bach’s Cello Suites have been the most important works in my life as a cellist,” said Jian Wang. “Over the past two decades, I have approached them with deep reverence, constantly exploring new interpretations and artistic insights. On the 20th anniversary of my previous recording on Deutsche Grammophon, I felt a profound urge to revisit these masterpieces — to document my evolving understanding and reflections in a new rendition. I am truly grateful to DG China for supporting this project.”
DG China has also announced a special project with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra to record and globally release the complete Shostakovich Symphonies in 2029, commemorating the orchestra’s 150th anniversary.
Long Yu said: “It is a great honor to be named Artistic Advisor to DG China, and I appreciate the trust that Deutsche Grammophon and Universal Music China have placed in me. I have enjoyed a long and rewarding relationship with the label, and it is thrilling to witness the launch of DG China as a new chapter in its celebrated legacy. Our upcoming Shostakovich project is not only a tribute to the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra’s 150-year history, but also a powerful expression of the artistry and interpretive depth of Chinese musicians today. With DG’s global platform, we are proud to bring these voices to audiences around the world.”
The DG China launch event was also attended by leading figures from China’s classical community, including composers Zhao Lin and Yu-Peng Chen, and Fedina Zhou, President of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.
