Wigmore Hall

'Few concert venues possess the magic ingredient to play host to such a project' Gramophone, March 2005

Since its launch in October 2005, Wigmore Hall Live has released ten live recordings to great critical acclaim, the first ever venue to release its own in-house record label, thus presenting the unique Wigmore experience to music lovers worldwide.

The generosity of an individual donor enabled the Hall to invest in state-of-the-art recording equipment, while the comprehensive sound insulation fitted during the recent refurbishment has created an exceptional environment for live recording. Wigmore Hall Director John Gilhooly, says, 'We are delighted to be able to bring Wigmore Hall's musical programme to a much wider audience through this project. It will help us further to consolidate our profile worldwide and to preserve a record of outstanding performances.'

The first ten releases include artists who have had a long association with the Hall, such as Sir Thomas Allen, Dame Felicity Lott, Nash Ensemble, Dame Margaret Price, Peter Schreier and Andras Schiff. The label also features the masters of contemporary string quartet repertoire, the Arditti Quartet and at the other end of the musical spectrum, a stunning recording by the Academy of Ancient Music. Keen also to develop relationships with up-and-coming artists, Wigmore Hall Live includes a recital from Joyce DiDonato (with Julius Drake), which was recently chosen as a Gramophone Editor's Choice.