Kenneth Ramos

Established in 1987 as a record label, Naxos was the brainchild of Klaus Heymann, a German-born entrepreneur and music lover based in Hong Kong. Initially he capitalised on the opportunity to provide repertoire driven classical CDs at more affordable prices, which soon led to Naxos becoming a preferred label for many consumers. Since that time, the company has undergone a truly remarkable development. It has transformed into a global enterprise that owns, administers and/or distributes a large number of independent record labels. The Naxos name is synonymous not only with classical music recordings, but also with a host of other products and services, from DVDs to books, ebooks, audiobooks, apps, and musical scores, as well as a wide range of online resources and services, for general and professional consumption. Under Klaus Heymann’s leadership, Naxos has redefined how classical music is presented and marketed. Innovative strategies for recording exciting new repertoire with exceptional talent have enabled the Naxos house label to develop one of the largest and fastest-growing catalogues of unduplicated repertoire. Some 9,000 titles are currently available at affordable prices, recorded in state-of-the-art sound, both in hard format and on digital platforms. Naxos works with artists of the highest calibre and its recordings have been recognised with numerous Grammy® awards, Penguin Guide 3-star recommendations, Gramophone Editor’s Choice Awards and many other international honours. Its audiobooks, apps and subscription services have also garnered countless awards. Naxos has extended the reach of classical music by honing the efficiency of its companies that provide distribution and licensing services to several hundred independent and major CD and DVD labels. With fifteen subsidiaries and 40 distributors, Naxos has the world covered when it comes to getting music into the hands of people who want to own a classical recording.