Wigmore Hall has announced a restructuring of its live recording label, Wigmore Hall Live, shifting to a digital-only distribution model in partnership with Apple Music Classical.
The change coincides with the London venue’s 125th anniversary celebrations. Under the new arrangement, the label will limit its output to four digital-only releases per year, curated from live performances recorded at the hall.
Restructuring of the financial model
The relaunch introduces a different financial framework for the label’s releases. Wigmore Hall will cover the complete production, engineering, and administrative costs associated with each recording.
The institution will not retain a share of the recording income, meaning that 100% of the subsequent streaming royalties will be directed to the performing artists.
Distribution agreement and initial release
Each new album will be subject to a three-month exclusivity window on Apple Music Classical before being distributed to other digital music platforms. The venue’s existing catalogue of past live recordings has also been transferred to the platform.
The first recording under this model is scheduled for release on 5 June. The album features pianist Boris Giltburg playing Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Nos. 4, 8, 9, 20, and 26, recorded during a live performance in February 2025. The digital release will feature a commentary track by the artist.
According to Wigmore Hall Director John Gilhooly, the updated model is intended to leverage digital streaming distribution to broadcast live performances while altering how artists are compensated for live recordings.
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