MUMBAI: Warner/Chappell Music (WCM), the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has signed a global publishing agreement with Russian composer Alexander Zhurbin.
Zhurbin is one of the industry’s most acclaimed and prolific composers, having written four symphonies, four concerti (for piano, violin, cello and viola with orchestra), six operas, and three ballets, as well as more than 40 stage musicals, 60 film and TV scores, and hundreds of popular songs. Effective immediately, Warner/Chappell will administer his works outside of Russia.
“I am happy to write simultaneously all different kinds of music: symphonies for big orchestras, pop songs, string quartets, rock ballets, chamber operas, and film soundtracks. When you turn your brain from one kind of music to another, your view is getting fresher, your ears are hearing better,” said Zhurbin.
“Alexander has built a cherished body of work, as indicated by the fact that it’s been performed by some of the finest ensembles in Russia, Europe, Canada, and the United States. He’s one of today’s most prolific composers and we’re privileged to have him join the Warner/Chappell family,” said Warner/Chappell Music SVP of theatre and catalog development Sean Patrick Flahaven.
Zhurbin’s hit rock-opera, Orpheus and Eurydice, ran for a record-breaking 39 years in Russia and sold over three million albums. His English-language musical, How It Was Done In Odessa, had a sold-out run at the historic Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. His English-language stage musicals in progress include Used and Abused (based on Dostoevsky), The Seagull (based on Chekhov), children’s opera Good Health, Your Majesty, and rock–opera Orpheus and Eurydice.
Zhurbin is also a published author of seven books, including the recent My History of Music. Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Mr. Zhurbin studied music at Tashkent Conservatory, Gnessin Music Academy, and Leningrad Conservatory, earning his PhD.
A major festival, named ’50 Years with the Music of Maestro Alexander Zhurbin’ featuring music Zhurbin composed, will be held in Moscow from October through December, 2015.
It may be recalled that in June 2013, WMG announced the acquisition of Gala Records Group, Russia's leading independent music company, and subsequently established Warner Music Russia.
