Denon Classics Named #1 Independent Classical Label

SANTA MONICA, CA (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Denon Classics, a unit of the Savoy Label Group (SLG), is once again the U.S.'s #1 independent Classical label for 2009 according to Billboard Magazine. Buoyed by phenomenal sales of their Most Relaxing Classical series plus another Top 5 year-end standing for cornerstone classical artist Andre Rieu, Denon Classics once again lead all other independent and traditional classical music labels (plus EMI Classics), for the sixth year in a row! One of the most successful independent labels, SLG is distributed by Fontana Distribution, the independent arm of UMGD in the U.S.

Denon Classics has enjoyed continued success by possessing a deep catalog of traditional classical recordings and blockbuster releases by artists such as Andre Rieu . The label has effectively promoted and marketed traditional classical music through their Most Relaxing series of releases which are the premier examples in the industry.

In addition, Andre Rieu has earned the distinction year after year as the #1 pledge drive artist for PBS and consistently places in the top tier of overall classical artists (he was the #1 overall classical music artist in 2008 according to Billboard). This year Rieu ranked #4 overall (behind The Priests, Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo), on the strength of releases such as "Live in Vienna " (#7 overall) and a collection of Greatest Hits (#8), plus the just-released "Live in Dresden."

2010 is certain to be another banner year for Denon Classics and particularly with Rieu as his new release "Live in Dresden" is currently enjoying national airings on PBS stations throughout the fall and holiday season. Rieu will embark on a worldwide stadium tour in the early part of 2010 as well. –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers