ImageM News

Imagem Music Signs Parade Of Lights

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:03:08 GMT

Imagem Music USA, home to the Elvis Presley catalogue as well as such talent as Ludacris, Phil Collins, Genesis, Anna Nalick, Steve Robson, Jens Gad, The Temper Trap and more, has signed a worldwide, multi-year co-publishing agreement with electro-rock band Parade of Lights.

Based in Las Vegas, the band is comprised of core members Ryan Daly, former guitarist and keyboardist of power-pop pioneers Hellogoodbye, and Anthony Improgo, who played drums in the multi-platinum electro-pop group Metro Station. Parade of Lights combines equal parts rock, new wave, and shoegaze to create their own unique blend of 80's-influenced pop. Recent music placements on Keeping up with the Kardashians, Nick & Vanessa's Wedding, MTV's The Real World, The Jersey Shore and Teen Wolf have gained the band considerable attention from music and TV insiders, not to mention a legitimate core group of dedicated fans. Now firing on all cylinders, Parade of Lights is currently in pre-production for their upcoming release, an EP entitled "Born To Live, Born To Love," slated for later this year. Parade of Lights is managed by Seth Keller for SKM Artist Management and Brian Saliba for Bogus Productions, Inc. For more information please visit: www.paradeoflightsmusic.com

"We're very excited to be working with Imagem Music," says Ryan Daly. "Being included on a roster full of such legendary artists is nothing short of surreal. [Imagem Music's] Jon Pikus has always been a true believer in what we do. When he invited us to be part of the family, we couldn't wait to get involved with an artist and writer-friendly company like Imagem. They are passionate about our music and about creating opportunities for it to be heard."

"After stalking this band for over 2 years and observing their continued artistic development, I am so happy to finally be able to work with them," says Jon Pikus, Los Angeles-based Creative Director at Imagem Music. "They combine alt-rock sensibility with world class songwriting. I am excited to help them on their journey to reach a larger audience, and additionally to place Ryan and Anthony into co-writing situations with others."

About Imagem Music

Imagem Music is the pop music division of the Imagem Music Group (André de Raaff, co-founder). Home to the Elvis Presley catalogue as well as such talent as Ludacris, Phil Collins, Genesis, Anna Nalick, Steve Robson, Jens Gad, Temper Trap, Hesta Prynn, Bombay Bicycle Club and more, Imagem Music has offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Berlin and the Netherlands, and exclusive agents all over the world. For more, visit: www.imagem-music.com. The Imagem Music Group is the world's largest independent music publisher which, in addition to its ever-expanding pop catalogues, is unique for its leadership role in classical music (Boosey & Hawkes) and musicals (Rodgers & Hammerstein).
For more, visit: www.imagem.com.

Imagem Music Signs Peter Stengaard

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:41:49 GMT

Since moving to Los Angeles from Denmark, Peter Stengaard has been busy producing for artists such as The Pussycat Dolls, JoJo and Donna Summer, as well as writing and developing talent. In the summer of 2011, his artist N.I.N.A. was signed to Warner Bros. Records by Rob Cavallo and they are currently in the studio writing the last few songs for her debut album. Peter also has several songs and themes placed in TV shows and upcoming movies. His latest work "Back For More" can be found on James Durbin's debut album Memories of a Beautiful Disaster on Wind Up Records. Most recently, Peter joined Sandy Roberton and his company Twenty First Republic producer management for representation. For more information, please visit: www.peterstengaard.com.

"I'm very excited to have found Imagem," says Stengaard. "I've known [Imagem Music's] Jon Pikus for a while and he's great; he always has good ideas and constructive input. Jon asked if I would meet the team at Imagem's N.Y. office. I did, and I immediately liked the company. They are very organized and motivated but still personable and musical. They move fast, follow through and are basically everything a writer could want in a publisher."

"I am very pleased to be working with Peter. From the moment I met him at Diane Warren's studio several years ago and witnessed his skills as a producer, I have wanted to get involved," said Los Angeles-based Jon Pikus, Creative Director at Imagem Music. "I look forward to raising awareness about him in the Los Angeles music community and, along with help from Sandy, building him into a go-to writer/producer for pop/rock/country/urban cuts and co-writes."

About Imagem Music

Imagem Music Signs Sammy Cahn Catalogue

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:37:48 GMT

Imagem Music USA, which represents catalogues ranging from the American songbook (Rodgers & Hammerstein, Rodgers & Hart, Irving Berlin) to classic & contemporary pop & rock (Elvis Presley, Ludacris, Phil Collins & Genesis) has signed a worldwide, multi-year publishing agreement with the Sammy Cahn estate.

Sammy Cahn (1913-93), the Academy Award winning songwriter, longtime Vice President of ASCAP, and President Emeritus of the Songwriters Hall of Fame (1973-93), created an extensive catalogue that Imagem will now represent, including "Three Coins in the Fountain" (Oscar for Best Song, 1954), "Come Fly With Me," "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!," "Love and Marriage" and "Saturday Night is the Loneliest Night of the Week."

"Sammy always said, 'If the song is #1, I wish my name were on it!'," recalled his wife of 22 years, Tita Cahn. "He was definitely not an old stuffy pretentious guy who closed his ears to any form of music. He embraced it all, and I know he would have loved the energy at Imagem, where rock & roll, hip hop and rap, Broadway and classical live side by side."
"Not many writers can say their songs defined a generation but Sammy Cahn's songs did just that," says Richard Stumpf, President of Imagem Music USA. "They transcended his time, too, and are as vibrant today as when they were written. We are honored that Tita has chosen us to manage these legendary copyrights and can't wait to get started."

About Sammy Cahn

The songs of lyricist Sammy Cahn have been recorded by virtually every major singer of the 20th Century and are firmly ingrained in the American Songbook. He was nominated for a record 26 Academy Awards for lyric writing, and won four times, also a record. With Saul Chaplin, Cahn began writing numbers for vaudeville acts at the renowned Cotton Club and had his first success in 1935-36 with "Rhythm is Our Business" and "Until the Real Thing Comes Along," written for the Jimmy Lunceford Band, and 1937's "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen," a huge hit recorded by The Andrews Sisters. In 1942, Cahn joined with Jule Styne in Hollywood and together they wrote songs for 19 films, including Frank Sinatra's early films Anchors Aweigh and It Happened In Brooklyn. They won an Academy Award for "Three Coins in the Fountain" and also wrote the Broadway musical High Button Shoes. Sinatra introduced Cahn to composer Jimmy Van Heusen in 1955, and together they wrote the title song for the 1955 Sinatra film The Tender Trap and a TV musical version of Our Town that included the Emmy Award-winning "Love and Marriage." Their long association with Frank Sinatra led to Sinatra's recording 89 of Cahn's songs, including "Come Fly with Me," "Only the Lonely," "All the Way" (Academy Award), "High Hopes" (Academy Award), "Call Me Irresponsible" (Academy Award), "The Second Time Around" and "My Kind of Town." Cahn and Van Heusen also collaborated on the Broadway shows Skyscraper and Walking Happy. Cahn was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1972 and later served as its President. In 1974, Cahn performed a one-man show on Broadway called Words and Music and toured with the show numerous times in the years that followed. Sammy Cahn died on January 15, 1993.

About Imagem Music

Irving Berlin Music Company Re-Signs with Imagem Music Group/ Rodgers & Hammerstein

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:07:33 GMT

Relationship Dating From 1990 Continues With Global Representation of Irving Berlin Brand and Grand Rights, and On-Going Music Publishing Representation in North America

The Irving Berlin Music Company (IBMC) has just re-signed its ongoing representation agreement with the Imagem Music Group/Rodgers & Hammerstein for international brand management and grand rights exploitation, and music publishing in North America. "Our partnership with the IBMC and the Irving Berlin family began in 1990," says Ted Chapin, President of Rodgers & Hammerstein, a division of the Imagem Music Group. "We have enjoyed working with Mr. Berlin's three visionary daughters over the years, with unprecedented success in the arenas of publishing, recordings, TV specials, books and events, major revivals of his musicals on Broadway, in London, and on the concert stage, and the creation of new stage properties such as WHITE CHRISTMAS and TOP HAT. We look forward to a continued, and fruitful, collaboration with the IBMC and the Berlin family."

About Irving Berlin

Born Israel Beilin in a Russian Jewish shtetl in 1888, he died as Irving Berlin in his adopted hometown of New York City in 1989. Songwriter, performer, theatre owner, music publisher and soldier, he wrote scores to more than a dozen Broadway musicals (including ANNIE GET YOUR GUN), and dozens of Hollywood movie musicals, including two which have recently become successful stage properties: WHITE CHRISTMAS and TOP HAT. His more than 1,200 songs include "White Christmas," "Puttin' on the Ritz," "Easter Parade," "Always," "Blue Skies," "Cheek to Cheek," "There's No Business Like Show Business," "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "God Bless America." Irving Berlin's love for, and generosity to, the USA is legendary, and through several ongoing foundations, including the God Bless America Fund, he donated tens of millions of dollars in royalties to Army emergency relief and the Boy and Girl Scouts. Numerous awards and accolades include an Academy Award for "White Christmas," a Congressional Gold Medal, a special Tony Award and commemoration on a U.S. postage stamp. Learn more about Irving Berlin at www.irvingberlin.com and www.rnh.com. Like Irving Berlin on Facebook at www.facebook.com/irvingberlin.

About the Imagem Music Group

Imagem Music Group (André de Raaff, CEO and Co-founder) is the number one independent music publishing company in the world, unique for its leadership role in classical music, Broadway, and pop/rock. Boosey & Hawkes represents the world's leading classical composers from Aaron Copland and Igor Stravinsky to such contemporary artists as John Adams and Steve Reich. Rodgers & Hammerstein controls the rights to the world's most popular stage and film musicals, including THE SOUND OF MUSIC, OKLAHOMA! and THE KING AND I, as well as representing works by Irving Berlin, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Schwartz and more. Imagem Music's ever expanding pop catalogue includes such writers as Elvis Presley, Ludacris, Phil Collins, Genesis, Anna Nalick, Temper Trap, Steve Robson, M.I.A., Bombay Bicycle Club and Daft Punk. Imagem is also active in production library music; London-based Imagem Production Music represents over 100,000 tracks, while California-based 5 Alarm Music represents more than 40 different music libraries. The Imagem Music Group has offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels and Amsterdam, and exclusive agents throughout the world. Imagem: making the difference! www.imagem.com.

Wakey! Wakey! joins Imagem Music

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:18:33 GMT

Selling out across Europe and the US, Michael Grubbs and his brainchild, Wakey! Wakey!, made their presence known over the past few years by striking a perfect balance between crowd-pleasing pop and art-damaged indie rock. Grubbs found critical acclaim in 2010 with his latest release, Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said the Last Time I Saw You, which reached No. 1 on Billboard's Heatseakers Chart. In addition to fronting Wakey! Wakey!, Grubbs has had a recurring role on the hit CW show One Tree Hill. The show has also featured many Wakey! Wakey! songs, including "War Sweater" for the season six finale. Wakey! Wakey! are currently working on a new album slated for 2012. Wakey!Wakey! will be playing this Thursday, Dec. 15th at Bowery Ballroom and on Saturday, Dec. 17th at 149 Kent Avenue, opening for The Hold Steady.

"I couldn't be more excited to join the family at Imagem Music. It's great to be with a company that has such reach, and yet feels completely and immediately accessible," said Michael. "We're extremely picky with new team members, but the staff at Imagem made them an easy and obvious choice."
"Michael has such an excellent sense of lyric and melody; his writing is exemplary of the kind of quality writers and artists we are looking to sign here at Imagem," said Molly Seel of IMU's Creative Department. "We are very excited to have him on board!"

Click here to listen to Light Outside from Wakey!Wakey's album "Almost Everything I'd Said The Last Time I Saw You"

About Imagem Music

For more, visit: www.imagem.com.

Elvis Presley Songs Now With Imagem Music (1)

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:09:50 GMT

Imagem Music USA and Elvis Presley Music/Gladys Music announced today a worldwide music publishing deal for representation of the Elvis Presley catalogue, effective January 1, 2012. The impressive Presley catalogue, co-owned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. and the families of the late, great publishing giants, Jean and Julian Aberbach, includes over 1,000 songs that have been recorded by Elvis Presley, Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole and other legendary entertainers. The timeless hits in the catalogue include "All Shook Up," "Love Me Tender," "A Little Less Conversation," "Jailhouse Rock," "Return to Sender," and "Can't Help Falling in Love," among many others.

Songs from the catalogue include some of the most sought-after for commercials, television shows, movie trailers and soundtracks around the world.

Recently, "A Little Less Conversation" was included in the Dreamworks animated film Megamind; "Can't Help Falling in Love" is featured in the current film, Like Crazy; "Jailhouse Rock" was utilized for a television commercial for Fiat; and "Fever" could be heard in a spot for Brazil's leading fashion retailer C&A, just to name a few.

"We are grateful that Elvis created such a significant amount of music during his lifetime," stated Jack Soden, President and CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. "It's impressive how it continues to resonate with people around the world as new generations discover the King of Rock 'n' Roll." In a joint statement, André de Raaff, CEO of Imagem Music Group and Richard Stumpf, President of Imagem Music USA said, "Elvis Presley defines Rock 'n' Roll, and his songs are loved all over the world. We are thrilled and honored to represent such a legendary body of work on a global basis, where we will ensure the songs are promoted and managed in a manner suitable for the King."

About Elvis Presley Enterprises

Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. is based in Memphis, with additional offices in Los Angeles. In addition to Graceland and its related attractions in Memphis, including the Heartbreak Hotel, EPE is aggressively involved in a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, and television, film, video and Internet projects. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit www.elvis.com. EPE is a subsidiary of CKX, Inc. (www.ckx.com.)

NATASHA BALDWIN ELEVATED TO IMAGEM GROUP BOARD

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 15:46:57 GMT

Imagem Group, the world's largest independent music publisher, has announced today that Natasha Baldwin, Group Vice President Synchs and Creative Services, has been made a full board member.

Natasha began her career producing TV commercials before joining the Boosey & Hawkes music publishing production library team as a music consultant in 2001. In 2008 she became Group Head of Music Consultancy responsible for the company's entire synchs business worldwide.

Following the acquisition of Boosey & Hawkes by Imagem Group in 2008, Natasha was promoted to her current role of Imagem Group VP, responsible for synch and creative exploitation growth of all theatrical, classical, jazz and pop catalogues across the Imagem Group for the world.

Natasha Baldwin said, "In the decade since I joined the company I have seen huge changes and it has been a real privilege to have been part of that evolution. I feel privileged to have been asked to join the board of an organization that is helping define modern music publishing and look forward to helping Imagem Group achieve further success moving forward."

John Minch, CEO of Imagem UK, said, "Natasha is an extremely talented executive who has an excellent track record of success. She is one of the most admired creative services experts in the music publishing industry and a huge asset to our company. We are delighted to announce her elevation to full board member status within the Imagem Group."

About Imagem Group

Imagem Group (André de Raaff, CEO and co-founder) is the #1 independent music publishing company in the world, unique for its leadership role in classical music (Boosey & Hawkes), musicals (Rodgers & Hammerstein), and rock & roll (Imagem Music). Founded in 2008 by Dutch firm ABP, one of the world's largest pension funds, in conjunction with Dutch independent publisher/media company CP Masters BV, Imagem began by acquiring music publishing rights in a number of catalogues sold by Universal Publishing, such as Rondor, Zomba, BBC and 19 Music. This was followed by acquiring the world's leading classical music publishing company Boosey & Hawkes (representing the world's leading classical and jazz composers from Aaron Copland and Igor Stravinsky to John Adams, Wynton Marsalis, and beyond), and Rodgers & Hammerstein (containing the rights to the world's most popular stage and film musicals including THE SOUND OF MUSIC and OKLAHOMA!, and representing hundreds of works by writers including Irving Berlin.) Highlights from Imagem Music's ever-expanding pop catalogue include Phil Collins, Genesis, Temper Trap, Vampire Weekend, M.I.A., Bombay Bicycle Club, and Daft Punk. Imagem is proud to represent such a variety of writers, catalogues, and copyrights, combining the knowledge of experienced music publishers with the newest opportunities for exploitation. Imagem: Making the difference! Website: www.imagem.com.

IMAGEM MUSIC PARTNERS WITH EPITAPH/BRETT GUREWITZ

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 15:27:59 GMT

Imagem Music, the world's largest independent music publisher, has announced an agreement with Brett Gurewitz and his iconic label Epitaph Records to become the administration partner for the company's publishing division, FIG Music.

This new agreement is a long-term, worldwide (excl. USA/Canada) administration deal including all existing FIG Music artists as well as future signings.

In addition, Imagem Music has purchased Dutch music publishing company Eastbeach BV from shareholders Brett Gurewitz and Hein van der Ree, who earlier this year was appointed to the position of CEO of Buma Stemra, the Dutch collection society.

The Eastbeach BV catalogue controls close to 1000 songs including compositions by high profile German band The Beatsteaks, Australian artist Xavier Rudd, and successful Dutch acts Pete Philly and Perquisite.

André de Raaff, CEO Imagen Music Group said, "I'm very excited that we are now associated with Epitaph Records and Brett Gurewitz, who has a long and impressive track record in launching new artists on both the Epitaph and Anti imprints."

Brett Gurewitz, Founder & CEO Epitaph said, "I'm delighted to be in business with André de Raaff and the world's leading independent music publishing company Imagem, whose experience and innovation make them an ideal partner."

Tim Smith, Managing Director of Imagem Music UK said, "Brett Gurewitz is one of the music industry's most consistent innovators and has a proven track record of finding and developing new talent. We are delighted to add FIG Music and Eastbeach BV to our roster and look forward to working with Brett and his team moving forward."

About Epitah

Epitaph Records was founded by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz, with the aim of starting an artist-friendly label from a musician's point of view. Perhaps most well known for being the little indie from L.A. that spawned the 90s punk explosion, Epitaph stayed independent even while breaking gold and multi-platinum punk acts such as The Offspring, Rancid, NOFX, Bad Religion and Pennywise. It has hence grown into one of the most diverse and well-respected independent labels of its time, revered for both its 'artist-first' approach and the consistent quality of its signings. Celebrating it hallmark 20 year anniversary, Epitaph is more diverse and vibrant than ever, and home to some of the hottest new bands on the scene. Though the sudden explosive success of the 90s undoubtedly brought growing pains, they were met by the Epitaph team with perseverance and commitment to ideals. Today Epitaph is a company that has transcended its humble roots, braved some tough challenges and grown up to become a full service label with a very diverse and creative roster of some of the best bands that today's music scene has to offer. Along the way Epitaph has launched two very successful sister labels: Hellcat Records, specializing in street punk, psychobilly & ska, and ANTI-, representing such distinguished artists as Tom Waits, Mavis Staples, The Swell Season and Neko Case.

About Imagem

Imagem Music Group (André de Raaff, CEO and co-founder) is the #1 independent music publishing company in the world, unique for its leadership role in classical music (Boosey & Hawkes), musicals (Rodgers & Hammerstein), and rock & roll (Imagem Music). Founded in 2008 by Dutch firm ABP, one of the world's largest pension funds, in conjunction with Dutch independent publisher/media company CP Masters BV, Imagem began by acquiring music publishing rights in a number of catalogues sold by Universal Publishing, such as Rondor, Zomba, BBC and 19 Music. This was followed by acquiring the world's leading classical music publishing company Boosey & Hawkes (representing the world's leading classical and jazz composers from Aaron Copland and Igor Stravinsky to John Adams, Wynton Marsalis, and beyond), and Rodgers & Hammerstein (containing the rights to the world's most popular stage and film musicals including THE SOUND OF MUSIC and OKLAHOMA!, and representing hundreds of works by writers including Irving Berlin.) Highlights from Imagem Music's ever-expanding pop catalogue include Phil Collins, Genesis, Temper Trap, Vampire Weekend, M.I.A., Bombay Bicycle Club, and Daft Punk. Imagem is proud to represent such a variety of writers, catalogues, and copyrights, combining the knowledge of experienced music publishers with the newest opportunities for exploitation. Imagem: Making the difference! Website: www.imagem.com

For the USA - From: Bert Fink, SVP Communications, Imagem USA Contact: bert.fink@imagem.com; 212.699.6521

For the UK - From: Andy Saunders, Velocity Communications Contact: andy@velocitypr.co.uk; +44 (0) 207 060 9111

IMAGEM MUSIC GROUP ACQUIRES 5 ALARM MUSIC

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:27:21 GMT

New York, January 6, 2011. Imagem Music Group, one of the world's largest independent music publishers and owner of Boosey & Hawkes and Rodgers & Hammerstein, has announced the acquisition of the leading independent US production library music company, 5 Alarm Music, in a move that will add significant weight to Imagem's existing production music services which includes Cavendish, Abaco and Strip Sounds. Cavendish, one of the world's oldest library music catalogues dating back to the 1930s, is represented by 5 Alarm in America effective immediately.

California-based 5 Alarm Music is a production music specialist. The company represents over 40 music libraries and in excess of 115,000 tracks. The company also owns the 5 Alarm, Rescue Records, IVU and Cinema Sounds catalogues, all of which are included in this sale.

Imagem Music Group, which recently announced the opening of a new production music division in the Netherlands to complement their existing London office, has acquired 5 Alarm Music as a going concern and will support the business in its continued development as a market leading production music company in the USA. Cassie Lord, who set up and has been running 5 Alarm Music since its launch 9 years ago as General Manager, will continue to be responsible for 5 Alarm Music as part of her new job as Vice President/General Manager for all library and production music activities of Imagem in the USA.

André de Raaff, CEO of Imagem said, "5 Alarm Music is a great acquisition for Imagem Music Group as we look to expand and grow our production music business. They are a well established successful agency in America with the 5 Alarm catalogue having a strong footprint in many territories around the world."

"We are very excited about joining the Imagem Music Group," said 5 Alarm's Cassie Lord. "André's dynamic world view on music publishing and the music industry is truly inspiring, and I know that the great team we have here in Pasadena looks forward to working alongside our new colleagues in New York, London and the Netherlands."

Alex Black (General Manager, Imagem Production Music UK) and Bill Gaden (COO, Imagem USA) issued a joint statement: "The development of library music has already proven very successful for Imagem, so we are eager to expand our presence in this field in the #1 production and library territory in the world - the USA."

About 5 Alarm Music

5 Alarm Music opened its doors in 2001 and was able to emerge from a 30 CD library into one of the largest leading production music library companies in North America. With more than 40 music libraries from all over the world, 5 Alarm Music has provided music for such TV productions as Brothers & Sisters, Desperate Housewives, Saturday Night Live, Lie To Me, No Ordinary Family, Friday Night Lights and such features films as The Next Three Days (starring Russell Crow), The Beaver (Jodie Foster, Mel Gibson), Easy A (Emma Stone), Amelia (Hilary Swank), and Drive Angry (Nicolas Cage). 5 Alarm's online search engine has provided producers, editors and film makers with state-of-the-art technology to find the right piece of music for any project. 5 Alarm's mantra - "Your Music Concierge" -takes customer service seriously, helping guide clients by selecting tracks and emailing them in any audio format the client desires (AIFF, WAV, MP3's). Website: www.5alarmmusic.com

Imagem Celebrates Opening of New American Office

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:11:44 GMT

On 15 September 2010 in New York City, Imagem CEO Andre de Raaff and Imagem CFO Denis Wigman welcomed guests from across the music industry to the new office.

Music industry executives, agents, journalists and artists mingled together, a veritable "Who's Who" of Imagem's wide breadth of catalogues: John Adams (composer, NIXON IN CHINA); Stephen Schwartz (songwriter of WICKED, GODSPELL); Charles Strouse (composer, ANNIE, BYE BYE BIRDIE); Joe DiPietro (co-author/lyricist of this year's Tony winner, MEMPHIS); the daughter of Irving Berlin; the son of Wynton Marsalis; children of Leonard Bernstein; the grand-daughter of Arturo Toscanini; the grandson of Igor Stravinsky.

It was, to quote the phrase, "some enchanted evening."

Click here to see Billboard's report of the party.

Richard Stumpf

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:28:39 GMT

Richard Stumpf has been appointed President of Imagem Music USA, the American branch of the pop music publishing company owned by Imagem. André de Raaff is CEO of Imagem, which also owns the giant publishing brands Rodgers & Hammerstein and Boosey & Hawkes. De Raaff announced Stumpf'sappointment,which starts immediately.

"I am delighted to make this appointment," said de Raaff. "Imagem's commitment to both contemporary and classic rock is already reflected in many recent signings, such as Phil Collins and Genesis. I have been following Rich's career for many years and am impressed with his numerous achievements. He was on the very top of my list to fill in the last major position in our US company. His appointment completes the structure we wanted to have in place, which will help us to grow and expand our US presence."

Together with Ted Chapin (President and Executive Director, Rodgers & Hammerstein), and Zizi Mueller (Senior Vice President, Boosey & Hawkes), Stumpf will be responsible for one of the three music companies within Imagem USA, a branch of Imagem. The management of Imagem USA is completed with Steven Storch (Chief Financial Officer), Bill Gaden (Senior Vice President & General Manager), and Victoria Traube (Senior Vice President, Business Affairs & General Counsel).

Richard Stumpf was most recently the Senior Vice President of Creative Services & Marketing at Cherry Lane Music, where he oversaw writer and joint venture signings, catalog acquisitions, and copyright exploitation. Richard's roster at Cherry Lane included such artists as The Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, Mick Mars, David Cook, Quincy Jones, Wolfmother, and The Sex Pistols. He sits on Boards for the American Association of Independent Music and the Association of Independent Music Publishers.

"The opportunity to expand the Imagem Pop brand into the US using the 'writer first' service-oriented philosophy that I used in building up Cherry Lane, is extremely exciting," said Stumpf. "I've met very few people with the passion that André has and I am thrilled that he has entrusted me with this task. To succeed today, you have to be quick on your feet and willing to explore new ways of doing things. André and I share this vision. The sister companies of Imagem Music USA - Rodgers & Hammerstein and Boosey & Hawkes - are 'best in breed' and come with extremely talented music executives. It will be a pleasure to work alongside them as I build the contemporary music company."

Imagem Music Bombay Bicycle Club

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:53:49 GMT

Imagem Music, the world's largest independent music publisher, has announced the signing of highly regarded UK band Bombay Bicycle Club to a long-term, global publishing agreement.

Bombay Bicycle Club - Jack Steadman, Jamie MacColl, Suren De Saram and Ed Nash - who are signed to Island Records worldwide, released their acclaimed debut album 'I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose,' in 2009 and saw it ranked highly in many prestigious end-of-year polls.

The album also helped the band win the NME award for 'Best New Band' earlier this year.

The North London based 4-piece are about to follow up the success of 'I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose,' with the release a new, acoustic album entitled 'Flaws' next month. A track from the forthcoming album entitled 'Ivy & Gold' is currently featuring on the Radio 1 B List.

The band also have a song, 'How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep,' featured in the next installment on the Twilight movie series 'Eclipse' , which is released on June 30^th.

In addition Bombay Bicycle Club have numerous high profile festival appearances lined up throughout the summer including slots at Glastonbury, T In The Park and Lovebox among others.

Tim Smith, Managing Director of Imagem Music said, "Bombay Bicycle Club are a superb band with a growing following. They are motivated, ambitious and constantly writing and creating great music - a publisher's dream really!"

Karl Jenkins awarded CBE in Queen's Birthday Honours

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:52:15 GMT

Composer Karl Jenkins (b.1944) has been awarded a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in the Queen's Birthday Honours, announced on 12 June 2010, for "services to music". This follows his OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2005.

Karl Jenkins made this statement following the announcement: "It is both a great honour and humbling to receive the award of CBE in Her Majesty the Queen's 2010 Birthday Honours list. This is particularly gratifying since it is given to a composer who has never been part of the music establishment but has, so I am told, touched the lives of literally millions of people globally. I shall unashamedly cherish this."

Following training as a classical musician, Jenkins worked as a jazz performer and with jazz-rock fusion band Soft Machine. He topped the record charts with Adiemus, and went on to compose some of the most performed choral works of our age, including The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, Requiem and Stabat Mater.

His new Gloria receives its world premiere at the Royal Albert Hall on 11 July performed by the 2500 singers of the Really Big Chorus in the presence of the composer, and will be released the following day on a new EMI recording, coupled with his recent Te Deum.

The music of Karl Jenkins is published exclusively by Boosey & Hawkes.

> Watch a video of Jenkins talking about his music
> More information on the Gloria premiere

Imagem Music Sparks

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:50:55 GMT

Imagem Music has announced the signing of a long-term, global publishing agreement, for the entire Sparks back catalogue.

Sparks originally formed in Los Angeles in the early '70's, the brainchild of brothers Ron (keyboards) and Russell Mael (vocals). The band's long career has seen them successfully adopt many different musical genres and become a huge influence of successive generations of their peers. Their frequently changing styles and visual presentations have kept the band at the forefront of experimentation and uniqueness in pop music.

The 2002 release of Lil' Beethoven, their "genre-defying opus", as well as the more recent albums Hello Young Lovers (2006, their 20th studio album) and Exotic Creatures Of The Deep (2008) has brought Sparks renewed critical and commercial success, and seen them continue to "steer clear of pop conventions."

This new agreement, which is effective immediately, includes such classic hits as: 'This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us', 'Beat the Clock' and 'The Number One Song in Heaven,' plus the twenty or so albums that Sparks have released since 1974.

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks said, ""We are extremely happy that our catalogue is now with Imagem Music Group. It's great to be working with people who understand our legacy and genuinely appreciate our music. We have been hugely impressed with Imagem Music's enthusiasm and ideas - they are innovative and forward thinking team and we look forward to working with them."

Tim Smith, Managing Director of Imagem UK said, "It's a real privilege to be working with Ron and Russell and such an iconic canon of music. We have already got lots of ideas of how we can reinvigorate what we feel is an undervalued and underexploited catalogue in sync and other areas. Sparks are not content to rest on their laurels, they are always moving forward and we have already had some great discussions about how we can help them put together a range of really interesting projects."

R&H Phantom of the Opera for Schools and Colleges

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:48:59 GMT

R&H Theatricals, an Imagem Company and a division of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization (RHO), is proud to announce that high schools and colleges in the USA and Canada will soon be able to perform the most successful musical of all time, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Applications to perform Andrew Lloyd Webber's international musical phenomenon are being accepted starting today, June 3, for performances beginning September 1, 2010.

"Andrew's passion for bringing young people into the musical theater is so deeply felt," notes RHO President Ted Chapin, "that he has authorized us to release PHANTOM to schools even while it continues to thrive on Broadway and all over the globe. We always believed that school performances of PHANTOM would bring out the best in each and every student, and the pilot productions we saw across America more than confirmed that belief."

Anticipating the release of PHANTOM to schools, R&H Theatricals created a pilot project working closely with RUG (Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group). In the 2007-8 academic year, PHANTOM was presented -- in full productions and in its entirety -- by two colleges and four high schools: Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, Ohio; Elon University, Elon, North Carolina; Carroll Senior High School, Westlake, Texas; Nyack High School, Nyack, New York; Fairfield Senior High School, Fairfield, Ohio; and Capital High School, Charleston, West Virginia.

PHANTOM was "a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Stacie Martinsen of Carroll Senior High School. "It helped our department's recognition level go through the roof, and the number of kids who wanted to be involved in theater after PHANTOM nearly doubled." PHANTOM was "more profitable and [received] far more media attention than any other show we've produced," said Mindy Reed of Fairfield Senior High School. "It helped gain respect from the community for our theatre program." It was a "wonderful opportunity" for Baldwin-Wallace College, said administrator Scott Plane. "There was a great deal of 'buzz' about this piece that generated a kind of energy we don't usually experience, which helped our program grow. I'd recommend PHANTOM to any school that wishes to push themselves; it's ultimately extremely rewarding."

R&H Theatricals has been representing North American performance rights to Lloyd Webber's musicals since 2001, with SUNSET BOULEVARD being the latest title to be released (for professional customers only at this time), joining CATS, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, EVITA, ASPECTS OF LOVE, BY JEEVES, SONG & DANCE -- and now, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.

For more information about the musical visit www.thephantomoftheopera.com

John Wilson conducts a Rodgers & Hammerstein Gala at the Cheltenham Music Festival

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:47:41 GMT

Following John Wilson's outstanding appearance with his own orchestra in the 2009 Festival, he returns with the CBSO for a celebration of the work of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. From their first collaboration in 1943, Oklahoma!, to their last in 1959 with The Sound of Music, Rodgers & Hammerstein created some of the 20th century's most attractive and enduring stage works.

In the John Wilson Orchestra's televised Prom this August, Kim Criswell's powerful charisma and vocal riches contributed significantly to a remarkable evening. Together with fellow American Brent Barrett - currently starring in the Broadway production ofChicago - they perform beloved songs such as 'Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'' (Oklahoma!), 'Some Enchanted Evening' (South Pacific), 'You'll Never Walk Alone' (Carousel) and, of course, favourites fromThe Sound of Music.

HSBC Cheltenham Music Festival (2-17 July 2010)
Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA
The 2010 programme for the HSBC Cheltenham Music Festival is its most diverse and richly-layered yet: performances range from a new choral work composed using DNA coding, to a Schumann celebration featuring Steven Isserlis, and a performance by James Rhodes - a classical pianist with 'a rock-star attitude' (Classic FM Magazine).

The Festival's musical riches encompass names as diverse as Alfred Brendel, Jan Garbarek, Steven Isserlis, Alfie Boe, Fascinating Aida and Robert Fripp. Over 20 performances take place in the Regency spa town's Pittville Pump Room, and the brand-new Parabola Arts Centre at Cheltenham Ladies College joins the festival's roster of venues alongside the much older spaces of Gloucester Cathedral and Tewkesbury Abbey.

'Musically you'll be spoilt for choice,' says Festival Director Meurig Bowen.'There aren't many festivals around where you can hear top-rank classical musicians like Imogen Cooper, Steven Isserlis, Sarah Connollyand the Philharmonia alongside jazzers Jan Garbarek and Gwilym Simcock, prog-rock legend Robert Fripp, cabaret queens Fascinating Aida and some chanting Tibetan monks'.

July 2-17, 2010: the full programme is now available at cheltenhamfestivals.com

Louis Andriessen Named Musical America Composer of the Year 2010

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:46:07 GMT

Louis Andriessen has been named Musical America's 2010 Composer of the Year.

Louis Andriessen, who Los Angeles Times's Mark Swed calls "a rebel with a very large cause," will be on hand in New York City for the official Musical America awards ceremony at Lincoln Center on Monday, December 14. He will be joined by Instrumentalist of the Year, Joshua Bell; Vocalist of the Year, Elina Garanca; "Collaborative Pianist" of the Year, Warren Jones; and Musician of the Year, conductor Riccardo Muti, who recently appointed Anna Clyne as a Composer-in-Residence with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

With this award Andriessen joins previous Musical America Composers of the Year from Boosey & Hawkes: Elliott Carter (1993), John Adams (1997), Ned Rorem (1998), and Steve Reich (2001), and Christopher Rouse (2009).

Andriessen will return to New York in April 2010 for a number of performances of his works, in fulfillment of his role as the Richard and Barbara Debs Composer Chair at Carnegie Hall. A highlight of Andriessen's Carnegie Hall residency will be two performances by the Asko | Schoenberg led by conductor Reinbert de Leeuw, the first of which will include the New York premiere of his 2008 opera, La Commedia, presented in a concert version in Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. A Carnegie Hall Making Music: Louis Andriessen program showcases both soprano Dawn Upshaw in Andriessen's Dances and the Bang on a Can All-Stars in the New York premiere of a new Andriessen work with video.

Also featured in April is the American Composers Orchestra, presenting Andriessen's Symphony for Open Strings alongside three world premieres by young North American composers/protégés of Andriessen, and a concert by Ensemble ACJW, featuring Andriessen's seminal 1974 work De Staat, a raucously intense piece which borrows text from Plato's "The Republic" and which first brought the composer's name to wide acclaim, led by composer John Adams, also led the work's American premiere in the 1980s.

As part of his residency, Andriessen also curates a series of late-night improvisatory double-bill concerts in Weill Recital Hall entitled "Three Naughty Boys and Three Crazy Girls," with tap dancer Savion Glover sharing a program with vocalist Greetje Bijma (accompanied by Andriessen himself on the piano); violinist/vocalist Iva Bittová with saxophonist Evan Parker, and cellist Ernst Reijseger with vocalist Cristina Zavalloni.

Previous holders of the Carnegie Hall Composer's Chair include John Adams (2003-2007) and Elliott Carter (2008-2009).

New Video: View an interview with Louis Andriessen talking about his life and music.

York Höller wins 2010 Grawemeyer Award for Sphären

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:42:15 GMT

York Höller is awarded the world's top composition prize for his orchestral work Sphären.

German composer York Höller has won the 2010 University of Louisville Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition for Sphären (Spheres), a major orchestral score composed between 2001 and 2006. The Grawemeyer Award, worth $200,000 (£120,000; €135,000), is awarded annually by the University of Louisville for a work that makes an outstanding contribution to the field of musical composition. The prize announcement describes Höller's Sphären as "magnificently scored, using a large orchestra to generate colours ranging from the most delicate to the most overwhelming. [It] grips you viscerally from the first bars and never lets up."

Sphären, chosen for the award from 136 entries worldwide, was commissioned by West German Radio and premiered in 2008 by the WDR Symphony Orchestra in Cologne. The six-movement, 40-minute piece was inspired by literature, music of the past and the elements of air, water, earth and fire from Greek philosophy. Höller composed the work over a period of five years, dedicating the last movement "with love and gratitude" to his wife, Ursula, who died in 2006. Sphären is scheduled to be commercially released on CD in April 2010 by NEOS in Germany.

York Höller, who signed with Boosey & Hawkes in 1983, is professor emeritus of music composition at the Cologne University of Music. He is renowned for pioneering work at fusing together live and electronic sounds and for his imaginative instrumentation, qualities which have attracted leading interpreters including Pierre Boulez and Daniel Barenboim. His compositions often incorporate references to romanticism and French-influenced orchestration along with modernist techniques, and range from chamber works to The Master and Margarita, his opera based on the novel by Bulgakov, premiered at the Paris Opéra in 1989.

Previous Boosey & Hawkes composers to receive the Grawemeyer Award include Brett Dean (2009), Sebastian Currier (2007), Unsuk Chin (2004), John Adams (1995), and Harrison Birtwistle (1987).

York Höller statement
"There are good reasons to hope that the prestigious Grawemeyer Award will evoke increasing interest in my music in the international music scene, though my private life and philosophy have taught me that glory is a very ambivalent and often quickly disappearing phenomenon.

"It took me five years to compose Sphären, as increasing eyesight problems forced me to look for new methods of musical notation. Fortunately, Macintosh computer technology linked with Finale notation program and some samplers enabled, after a gap of almost one year, the continuation of my composing up to the middle of 2008. At that time my eyesight went down to nearly zero and the definite end of my creative work seemed to have come. But in the present year again a new perspective was opened by highly sophisticated American technology. Supported by my assistant Boris Kosak, I learnt to compose with a program named "Jaws". It works with speech (in English) in a way that I can hear all the information concerning selected instrument, pitch, rhythmic positions etc.

"Finally it is not at all exaggerated to say that Sphären could not have been premiered without the artistic and human engagement of Semyon Bychkov at the head of the Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra. In consequence of my grave eyesight problems the first version of the score was full of mistakes and questions of detail. Thanks to Bychkov's seriousness, patience, professionalism and dedication, the superb world premiere took place in April 2008 in the Cologne Philharmonie."

About the Grawemeyer Awards
The University of Louisville grants one million dollars each year for the Grawemeyer Awards, $200,000 each for music composition, education, ideas improving world order, religion and psychology. The selection process includes a jury of professionals from each discipline and a knowledgeable lay panel. The late Charles Grawemeyer was an industrialist, entrepreneur and University of Louisville graduate who had a lifelong passion for music, education and religious studies. For further information about the Grawemeyer Awards visit www.grawemeyer.org.

Click here for audio samples of Höller's music, including the six movements of Sphären

Imagem Music Market Share News

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:51:58 GMT

Rodgers and Hammerstein organisation deal confirms the Imagem Group's position as the world's leading independent publisher

Imagem Music UK, the UK division of The Imagem Music Group, is celebrating being named the second largest independent music publisher in the UK just one year after launching in the marketplace.

Figures published recently in UK trade magazine Music Week recently give a definitive breakdown of music publishing activity during 2008 and Imagem Music UK scored a sensational 10.7% market share among the independent companies.

This result, which places Imagem Music UK second in the UK independent music publishing market share rankings, is all the more notable given that the company only began representing one of their biggest catalogues, the US repertoire of Zomba Music, from July 1st 2008.

Tim Smith, Managing Director of Imagem Music UK said, "Given the fact that Imagem Music has only been in existence for one year, being recognised as the 2nd largest independent music publisher in the UK is a remarkable achievement. It is perhaps worth noting that had we started representing our Zomba US catalogue at the start of 2008 there is a very good chance that we would actually be number one but that is academic and we are delighted to have achieved so much in such a relatively short space of time. We are determined not to become complacent however and remain fully focused on building on this success moving forward."

The Imagem Music Group, the music publishing fund of ABP, the Netherlands based world's 3rd largest pension fund and CP Masters BV, one of Europe's leading independent music publishers, also announced recently it has signed an agreement to acquire the rights to the songs and musicals of the legendary Rodgers & Hammerstein as well as The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization (RHO), which represents more than 12,000 songs, 900 concert works, 200 writers and 100 musicals, in a deal that confirms The Imagem Music Group as the world's leading independent music publisher.

Andre De Raaff, CEO of The Imagem Music Group said, "Our recent acquisition of The Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization means that the Imagem Music Group now generates annualized revenues of more than 100 million euros and has rights to more than 200,000 pieces of music. To have reached the status of the number one independent music publisher globally so quickly is testament to our team's vision and single-minded determination to create a world-class music publishing company."

Imagem Music Publishing Embark on Major Signing Spree

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:07:58 GMT

Imagem Music, which was recently confirmed as the world's largest independent music publisher, has announced three important new signings.

Acclaimed writer/producer Guy Sigsworth and two bands, the hugely influential PM Dawn and new Australian rock act Temper Trap, have all inked deals with Imagem Music Publishing in the same week.

Guy Sigsworth is the writer producer best known for his work with Seal, Bjork, Madonna, Imogen Heap, Alanis Morissette and more recently Britney Spears.

Tim Smith, Managing Director of Imagem Music said, "Guy is a fantastic addition to our roster. Writers of his quality and vision are rare and we are delighted that he has chosen Imagem as his next publishing home. Our A&R team will be working closely with him to introduce him to acts and writers that he may not have considered in the past whilst continuing to maintain relationships with the superstars that love working with him".

Guy Sigsworth said, "I'm really excited to be working with Tim and his team at Imagem. They're easily the most happening independent publisher right now. Plus, because of their partnership with Boosey & Hawkes, I now have the same publisher as both Igor Stravinsky and Daft Punk! How cool is that?"

PM Dawn have entered into a long-term administration agreement with Imagem Music, which will see the publisher representing the bands entire catalogue on a worldwide basis.

Tim Smith said, "The PM Dawn catalogue is filled with hits from 'Set Adrift On Memory Bliss' to 'Reality Used To be a Friend Of Mine' and songs recorded by Elton John, Shara Nelson & George Michael. We feel that these songs have been hugely underused in the world of synch and that is in area that we will be really focusing on moving forward. As part of our deal we will also be publishing all new songs written by Prince B and we have some great new material to be working with which I can easily hear being recorded by a number of contemporary pop stars from the UK or USA. We are really looking forward to working these songs."

Temper Trap, who recently signed to former Warner Music Managing Director Korda Marshall's new label Infectious Records, have confirmed a deal that will allow Imagem Music to work closely with Mushroom Music Publishing on a worldwide basis.

Tim Smith said, "Temper Trap are one of the most exciting new bands we have seen or heard in a long time. We are really happy to be working with Korda and his team at Infectious Records and to be partnering with Mushroom Music Publishing globally. The band now has a fantastic team around them and we are confident of great things for them in the future."

Danny Rogers, Manager of Temper Trap said, "We are thrilled to join forces with Imagem. Of all the publishers they were there from the beginning and have showed genuine passion and drive for the band."

Imagem Music Signs Genesis and Phil Collins

Mon, 24 May 2010 14:15:35 GMT

London (UK)/Hilversum (NL) - Imagem Music has entered into a long-term, exclusive administration agreement with the members of Genesis, Tony Banks, Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford as of 1st July this year and will represent the catalogues of Genesis, Tony Banks, Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford including Mike & The Mechanics.

Genesis have sold more than 150 million albums worldwide and have enjoyed several top 10 hits in US including a No. 1 with "Invisible Touch". Mike & The Mechanics also reached No. 1 in US with "The Living Years".

In addition to the above and in a separate deal with Philip Collins Limited, Imagem Music has also bought a 50% share of the copyrights in the entire Phil Collins catalogue. This catalogue contains 8 No. 1 hits in US and UK including "Against All Odds", "Sussudio", "One More Night", "Two Hearts", "Another Day In Paradise", "Easy Lover" and the iconic "In The Air Tonight". Phil has sold over 100 million albums worldwide has been awarded 7 Grammys, 1 Academy Award and 2 Golden Globes.

André de Raaff, CEO of Imagem Music worldwide: "We are extremely proud that Tony, Phil and Mike have chosen us for their music publishing activities throughout the world. We feel that they are among the great writers and have written many outstanding songs which will live forever. Their catalogues are a great addition to the wonderful portfolio of Imagem. We are not only proud to be the #1 independent music publisher in the world only two years since we started the company, but we are also a new kind of music publisher. We can prove to anyone that we have the best creative teams and that we are the most efficient rights manager in music publishing. The rights of Tony, Phil and Mike will be loved and nourished.

John Minch, CEO of Imagem UK and Director Business Development and Digital of Imagem International: "We invest in gold standard music copyrights and we are thrilled to have persuaded Genesis and Phil to come to us. We can offer all the creative flair, passion and enthusiasm of the very best independent with the financial muscle professionalism and global strength of a worldwide music publishing group. The Genesis management team took a long hard look at what we are building here and really liked what they saw. This is a very exciting time for us."

Phil Collins: "I am delighted and excited to be entering into this new partnership with Imagem and Boosey & Hawkes for the future, and look forward to working closely with them to get the best from all the songs that I've written over the years, along with any future projects I may enter into."

Tony Smith, Manager of Genesis and Phil Collins: "I am delighted to have been able to conclude this deal with Imagem and to be associated with both them and the legendary Boosey & Hawkes. We have been researching many of the major music publishing houses over the last 18 months or so to find the right company to represent the catalogue for the future, as we recognize that there are many challenges for music publishers in the ever changing music industry, we were keen to find a company that would approach the issues of the decreasing physical market while embracing the challenges of maximizing the opportunities available to music copyrights in the digital and synchronization arena, as well as recognizing that a large part of future income will be generated from these uses and that of performances. We think we have found the right combination of outstanding administration abilities and forward thinking partners in Imagem and Andre De Raaff, John Minch and their creative teams."

Contact info:

Imagem UK > John Minch
Media Inquiries: Andy Saunders, Velocity Communications
T: + 44 207 060 9111
Email: andy@velocitypr.co.uk

Imagem Music Group > André de Raaff
Media Inquiries: Anneke Bouman
T: + 31 35 647 4040
Email: Anneke.Bouman@ctm.eu.com

Notes to Editors:

About Imagem Music Group:

Founded in 2008 by ABP, one of the world's biggest pension funds, in conjunction with Dutch independent publisher/media company CP Masters BV, Imagem Music began by acquiring music publishing rights in a number of catalogs sold by Universal Publishing as a requirement of its acquisition of BMG Publishing - Zomba UK, Rondor UK, 19 Music and 19 Songs, plus the greater part of the BBC Music catalogue and European rights to the Zomba US catalogue - as the first step in becoming one of the most dynamic new players in music publishing. The subsequent acquisition of Boosey & Hawkes - with its rights to Copland, Stravinsky, Rachmaninoff and others and its established international publishing infrastructure, with own offices in London, New York, Berlin and The Netherlands - has provided Imagem Music with an administrative backbone as well as expanding the group's musical offering into classical and jazz. Earlier this year, the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization has been added to Imagem Music. RHO represents a wide variety of entertainment copyrights and over 200 writers and does not only represent works by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, but also Irving Berlin, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Adam Guettel, Sheldon Harnick, Lorenz Hart, Jerome Kern, Stephen Schwartz, Kurt Weill, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and many others. RHO founders Richard Rodgers (composer; 1902-79) and Oscar Hammerstein II (lyricist/librettist, 1895-1960) created the most beloved musicals such as Oklahoma! Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music.