CES 2008: Ondine has announced that the Universal Music Classical division of the Universal Music Group (UMG) will be distributing all of its «physical and digital» titles starting in 2008. The Ondine label is based in Finland and has released over 400 titles since its founding, with over 250 in active release. Included in the active titles are a number of Classical Music Super Audio CDs including several featuring the legendary Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of conductor Christoph Eschenbach.
Comments on the Distribution Deal
Officials from both Ondine and Universal Music expressed enthusiasm for the new arrangement. Christopher Roberts, president of Universal Music International, Classics and Jazz said «Ondine is without a doubt one of the most internationally respected, exciting and successful independent classical labels around and will be a welcome and complementary addition to the Universal Classics’ distribution portfolio.»
Reijo Kiilunen, the managing director and founder of Ondine added «I am extremely happy and feel very confident in having Ondine distributed by Universal Music Classical in the U.S. and Canada. Universal Music Classical’s skill, dynamism and established track record at being at the forefront of both physical and digital distribution will allow Ondine to raise its profile in the U.S. and Canada and further help it to develop its product offering for these markets.»
New Super Audio CDs from Ondine
For 2008, Ondine has announced a number of upcoming titles including 5 Classical Music releases in Surround Sound Super Audio CD. All 5 will be released as Single Inventory Hybrid Layer Multichannel SACD discs where the SACD will serve as both the SACD and CD edition of the album. These releases include:
Ondine Hybrid Multichannel SACD Releases — March 11, 2008
Ondine Hybrid Multichannel SACD Release — May 13, 2008
Ondine Hybrid Multichannel SACD Releases — June 10, 2008