Label news: Decca signs three artists in night of long glasses

Decca Classics paraded three new signings at the Royal Suite, St Pancras last night –

the Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen;

the British composer Rebecca Dale

and the previously announced saxophonist Jess Gillam.

I had to make an early theatre curtain – Uncle Vanya, in Russian – so I got shot with the signers, rather than the signed.

l-r: Rebecca Allen, NL Caroline Crick, Alex Buhr

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Here’s what happened after:

UPDATE: And this morning’s press release:

Decca Classics is proud to announce the signing of three extraordinary artists to the label: saxophonist Jess Gillam, lyric dramatic soprano Lise Davidsen and composer Rebecca Dale. All three were unveiled at a special event in London’s St Pancras Renaissance Hotel last night, where invited guests were treated to superb performances from Lise and Jess, as well as a taster of Rebecca’s newly-recorded Requiem.

Each of the three young artists are making great strides in their growing careers. 19-year old Jess, who rose to fame on BBC Young Musician 2016, becomes the first saxophonist to sign exclusively to Decca Classics, while Rebecca Dale becomes the label’s first female composer, and Norwegian Lise Davidsen – winner of Plácido Domingo’s Operalia competition – takes her place among the great voices to record for the historic label.

Dr. Alexander Buhr, Managing Director of Decca Classics, said: “We are excited and honoured to have Lise, Jess and Rebecca join the label – three inspiring young women whose talent, creativity and sheer passion for music is remarkable. They will all forge their own individual paths in their respective fields and Decca is proud to be partnering with them.”

Rebecca Allen, President of Decca Records Label Group, added: “We’re so proud to welcome these three unique artists to Decca. They are blazing a trail for women in music and it’s a privilege to support them.”