The Curtis Institute of Music Launches Record Label 

Curtis Studio will be introduced with a recording of the Curtis Symphony Orchestra performing “Scheherazade” with conductor Osmo Vänskä

The Curtis Institute of Music’s record label, Curtis Studio, is dedicated to the discovery of new and traditional works and to making classical music recordings more readily available through modern streaming services.

Distributed by artist services company Platoon, the label will feature performances by Curtis alumni, faculty, and students, with its releases available digitally.

Available on all major streaming platforms from December 6, 2022, the recording of Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade” made by the Curtis Symphony Orchestra and Finnish conductor Osmo Vänskä in December 2021, will mark the launch of Curtis Studio. To pre-save the album, click here.

This performance preceded Curtis’s new “Immersive Scheherazade” performance installation during May 2022. Filmed by 26 cameras, audience members sat alongside the performing musicians while surrounded by 30-foot high projections of the orchestra.

“Scheherazade demands musical virtuosity and highlights the magnificent artistry of the Curtis Symphony Orchestra,” said Curtis Studio executive producer Vince Ford. “These musicians represent a very bright future for classical music. We are thrilled to share their performances through Curtis Studio.”

“The three pillars of Curtis — teaching, touring, and technology — will each be propelled by this groundbreaking initiative,” added Curtis president and CEO Roberto Díaz. “Curtis Studio presents an opportunity to share our rigorous standard of musicianship in an accessible way. This monumental initiative furthers our digital presence while teaching the recording process as a fundamental component of a musician’s career.” 

Future releases on Curtis Studio will include a solo piano recording with pianist Michelle Cann performing works by Florence Price and Margaret Bonds. Curtis Studio will also present commissions including the recording premiere of Trio Zimbalist, plus recordings of the Dover Quartet and other Curtis ensembles. 

Established in 1924, the Curtis Institute of Music comprises almost 160 students, who perform over 200 orchestra, opera, solo, and chamber music performances to public audiences. An advocate of contemporary music performance, Curtis regularly commissions emerging and established composers, including Richard Danielpour, Jennifer Higdon, Bright Sheng, and Curtis alum Gabriella Smith and David Serkin Ludwig.