The Chinese piano star will release his future classical recordings through Deutsche Grammophon.

Chinese piano star Lang Lang has jumped ship, signing with Universal Music Group after more than five years with Sony Classics. Lang Lang has left Sony to return to his former label, Deutsche Grammophon, where he was signed until 2010.

The signing is a major coup for Universal. The award-winning pianist has sold millions of albums and doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon.

Sir Lucian Grainge of Universal Music Group and Lang Lang, photo by Jordan Strauss

“It is a tremendous honour to welcome Lang Lang home to UMG and Deutsche Grammophon,” said UMG’s Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge. “Lang Lang is that exceptionally rare talent who combines artistic excellence and innovative entrepreneurism to deliver exciting new music and experiences to his millions and millions of fans around the world. As someone whom I admire artistically and personally, I’m thrilled that UMG will contribute to the next chapter in Lang Lang’s already distinguished career.”

The star pianist, who toured to Australia just last year, has made it his mission to bring classical music to new audiences and inspire a new generation of musicians.

“When I met Lucian and his team I was amazed by their open-mindedness and passion for innovation,” Lang Lang said. “This is exactly the spirit we need to promote classical music in the 21st century. My dream has always been to share music with as many people as possible, and I can’t wait to start working with the Universal teams around the world.”

The first recordings to emerge from the new agreement are reported to be an album of popular piano music, The Piano Book, and a recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations.


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