Vladimir Ashkenazy, Mitsuko Uchida and Seiji Ozawa join the cause with a new benefit album.

The international music community has banded together in an outpouring of support and financial aid for those affected by last month’s calamitous earthquake and tsunami in Natori city. As part of the recovery effort, several leading classical recording artists in Japan and around the world have waived their royalties and contributed tracks to a digital-only classical album, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross.

Classics for Japan: Music for Healing will be released online on Wednesday April 6. It features Deutsche Grammophon and Decca stalwarts who are either Japanese or have enjoyed considerable success in Japan throughout their careers: the lineup includes Dame Mitsuko Uchida playing Mozart, Seiji Ozawa conducting the Saito Kinen Orchestra, violinist Akiko Suwanai and classical guitarist Kaori Muraji.

Vladimir Ashkenazy is represented on the album as a solo pianist, having chosen a Beethoven sonata and Chopin nocturne as his heartfelt offerings. “I have visited Japan on many occasions as both a conductor and pianist, and I am always impressed by the way the audiences embrace serious music and hold it in such high esteem,” he said.

The album also features...