Universal just launched its own streaming service for classical music via Deutsche Grammophon

Popular music groupDeutsche Grammophon owned by Deutsche Grammophon, arguably the world’s oldest record label, has just launched its own high-resolution classical music streaming service.

Called STAGE+, the service was described by Deutsche Grammophon in a press release as “groundbreaking”. Label calls it the is “the latest milestone in the digital evolution of classical music”.

Follow PHASE+ websiteService subscription will cost €14.90 per month, or €149 each year.

The move focuses on two emerging music business trends – the first being the streaming renaissance of Classical music.

Classical music is increase in popularity among young listeners, with the genre’s potential in the market attracting the attention of tech giant Apple, buying Netherlands-based classical music streaming service Primephonic last year.

Another reason the move is so important: UMG has become the latest major record company to launch its own music streaming service, following Released 2019 of the Music SonyMora Qualitas high-resolution music streaming service in Japan.

Now, a major label-owned subscription classical music streaming service is set to operate (and compete) in a market already dominated by the likes of Spotify, Applededicated classical music app that is yet to be released and the like Idagio classical music app. Not to mention ‘s hobbies Qobuz and Tidal, which also offers classical music in high definition.

We’ve noted in the past that classical music fans have long complained about the search for final versions of composer-directed works, especially on music services. mainstream music.

Deutsche Grammophon states that its STAGE+ service “represents a step change in the way classical music is presented online,” and that the use of “optimized metadata will allow classic fans to search through titles and access individual operatic compositions, movements or scenes”.

The classical music company says that subscribers will get access to exclusive live premieres on its new service, including long-running opera and concert programs; music videos; documentaries and behind-the-scenes interviews; new audio releases, as well as albums from Deutsche Grammophon and Decca category.

This content will be available in Hi-Res and Dolby Atmos audio formats and service will be available as a TV, mobile, and web app to STAGE+ subscribers, with “many” of videos offered in 4K resolution and Dolby Atmos Music.

Deutsche Grammophon said that technology company Siemens “will be a partner and facilitator of STAGE+”.

Deutsche Grammophon says that STAGE+ will be able to “show off the best new performances every week”Hcalls for cooperation with globally renowned opera companies, orchestras, concert halls and festivals.

The first launch stream on the platform shows Víkingur Ólafsson performing the music from his latest album, From far away, Full from Harpa, Iceland and other content for the first few weeks including Bach’s Oratorio Christmas performing at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, Max Richter’s voice from Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie on Human Rights Day and a Mahler cycle from Vienna’s Musikverein.

Selected live streams and video-on-demand will also include classic club nights in Deutsche Grammophon’s Golden Lounge around the world, a Rising Star series, and performances at the Grand Palaces. World Heritage Sites such as the Forbidden City, the Sistine Chapel or the Neolithic settlement of Carnac in France.

Deutsche Grammophon was founded in 1898 in Hanover by Emil Berliner, the inventor of the phonograph.

“We want to revolutionize the way people approach classical music and, working with our amazing partners and families of musicians, bring them the very best that the art form has to offer. This brings.”

Dr. Clemens Trautmann, Deutsche Grammophon

Dr. Clemens Trautmann, Chairman of Deutsche Grammophon“We want to revolutionize the way people approach classical music and, in partnership with our amazing partners and family of musicians, bring them the very best of its kind,” said. This art brings.

Trautmann added: “The initial response from our artists to STAGE+ has been overwhelmingly positive, as it is the first service where their life on stage and their media production can be presented in such a way. comprehensive in one place.

“In 2023, DG will celebrate its 125th anniversary, and STAGE+ is the latest example of the creative and innovative thinking that has been the hallmark of the brand since its founding.”

“There is a huge demand for great classical music content online.”

Frank BriegmannUniversal Music Central Europe & Deutsche Grammophon

Frank Briegmann, President & CEO of Universal Music Central Europe & Deutsche Grammophon, said: “There is huge demand for great classical music content online.

“We have seen significant growth in demand for live concerts and opera performances since the launch of DG Stage nearly two years ago. STAGE+ will transform the space for online classical music.

“I want to thank our incredible team and our partner organizations for all their efforts and dedication to STAGE+. They have built something special that is sure to delight and inspire a global classic audience.”

“We are about to enter an exciting new era for streaming classical performances.”

Robert Zimmermann, Deutsche Grammophon

“We are about to enter an exciting new era for streaming classical performances,” said Deutsche Grammophon. Vice President of Consumer Business, Robert Zimmermann.

“STAGE+ will explore the limitless creative and curatorial possibilities that digital technology offers to bring the creative work of DG artists – and beyond – closer to their audiences. “

“It gives artists a venue for their live and filmed performances directly alongside their studio recordings, providing an integrated experience for classical artist discovery. by devoted fans of the genre.”

Dickon Stainer, Verve . Label Group

Dickon Dye, President and CEO of Global Classics & Jazz and Verve Label Group“STAGE+ uniquely immerses fans in a dedicated multi-dimensional classic experience of the highest quality, complementing the breadth of our repertoire presented across our services,” said. work.

“It gives artists a venue for their live and filmed performances directly alongside their studio recordings, providing an integrated experience for classical artist discovery. by devoted fans of the genre.”Global Music Business