US online radio service Pandora – which is currently locked in a court battle with BMI over royalty payments – has won a multi-year licensing agreement with classical label Naxos for its complete catalogue.
Pandora said the deal would create marketing and business benefits for itself, as well as Naxos and the artists it represents.
Naxos is best-known its long-standing relationships with classical artists, conductors, composers and ensembles including Leonard Slatkin, Marin Alsop, Gerard Schwarz, Nicolas Horvath, Tianwa Yang, Boris Giltburg, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Nashville Symphony, Paul Moravec, Michael Daugherty, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, and others.
“This deal represents another important step in Pandora’s efforts to become an indispensable partner to music makers,” said Brian McAndrews, CEO of Pandora. “We have a passionate base of classical music listeners, and our agreement with Naxos ensures we can continue expanding the audience for their unparalleled catalog.”
“Because of the way in which listeners enjoy music on Pandora, this partnership will allow us to introduce the unfamiliar to the magnificent world of classical music through the vast Naxos catalog of recordings. It will also give listeners who already know and love classical music the opportunity to discover new works, composers and performers,” said Jeff Van Driel, CEO at Naxos.
“We look forward to a prosperous relationship with Pandora which will be prolonged by our mutual desire to serve our listeners, new and old.”
Launched in 1987 and now offering more than 9,000 album titles, Naxos artists have been recognised with 19 Grammy awards, over 800 Penguin Guide 3-star recommendations, over 150 Gramophone Editor’s Choice awards and numerous other honours.
It produces over 200 new recordings a year in more than 30 countries.Music Business Worldwide
