Martin Fröst and Sony Classical have announced a long-term exclusive recording collaboration. 

Described by The Sunday Times as ​“the world’s greatest clarinetist” and by The New York Times as possessing ​“a virtuosity and musicianship unsurpassed by any clarinetist — perhaps any instrumentalist — in living memory”, Martin’s first disc for Sony will see him perform as both conductor and soloist, showcasing the versatility for which he has become renowned.

On signing the contract, Sony Classical’s President Bogdan Roscic said:

“Seeing and hearing Martin Fröst is one of the strongest experiences classical music offers at the moment. Audiences around the world react to it with an enthusiasm bordering on euphoria. Martin is able to convey an overwhelming sense of being taken closer to the music’s essence and has found ways of expressing that which are quite unique in our business.”

Set for release in January 2016, Martin’s debut album will be recorded with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. The disc is part of a three year ​‘Genesis Project’ — devised by Martin and performed with a number of partners worldwide — which explores the development of music through a combination of original compositions, new commissions, well-known core classical works and traditional dance and folk music tunes. 

Earlier this year Martin was awarded the prestigious Léonie Sonning Music Prize, joining a list of past winners which include some of Sony’s most iconic recording figures — from Stravinsky and Bernstein to Yo-Yo Ma and Nikolaus Harnoncourt.