The British label Chandos Records, well known to Limelight readers for its four decades of classical music recordings, has been acquired by Naxos Music Group founder Klaus Heymann.

Chandos will continue to release recordings and worldwide distribution will be handled by Naxos. Chandos managing director Ralph Couzens, son of the label’s founder Brian Couzens, retains his role and the company’s schedule of upcoming recordings remain unchanged.

The announcement comes just 12 months after another UK independent classical label, Hyperion, was bought out by the German conglomerate Universal Music Group (UMG). The Swedish label BIS, also renowned for its classical and art music releases, was acquired by Apple Inc. in 2023.

In a press statement, Couzens wrote: “It is hard to remember a more vibrant time for Chandos Records. We are lucky to work with a group of artists whose dedication, enthusiasm, skill and imagination result in music making of the highest order. Translating this artistry to the recorded medium with our dedicated team of in-house engineers and producers is not only a privilege – it really is the backbone of Chandos Records.”

“The continuation of these relationships, the Chandos brand and all it...