UK's Wigmore Hall is partnering in a new concert program that will see live recordings premiere exclusively on Apple Music Classical .
Three years after its debut, Apple Music Classical has been adding listening guides and a dedicated app for CarPlay. But now it is following the mainstream Apple Music's lead in producing brand-new recordings, this time to mark the 125th anniversary of the renowned Wigmore Hall concert venue.
"Wigmore Hall Live has always sought to capture something unique — the intimacy and spontaneity of live performance in the Hall, so we are delighted to partner with Apple Music Classical," said John Gilhooly, Director of Wigmore Hall, in a statement to Gramophone magazine. "Its advanced sound quality will allow listeners everywhere to experience Wigmore Hall concerts as close to the live event as possible."
The new Wigmore Hall Live program will feature four recordings per year, taken from live performances at the venue. Wigmore Hall is taking on all production costs, and 100% of streaming royalties received will go to the performing artists.
"Central to all of this are our artists," continued Gilhooly, "and our new model for Wigmore Hall Live gives us the opportunity to support their recordings and to share their exceptional artistry with audiences around the world."
Apple Music Classical will premiere each recording, which will then remain exclusive to the service for three months.
Wigmore Hall originally opened on May 31, 1901. This new 125th anniversary program will start with its first release on June 5, 2026.
That release features Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Nos. 4, 8, 9, 20, and 26, as performed by pianist Boris Giltburg. There will also be an accompanying commentary from Giltburg about the pieces.
A pre-release preview of Sonata No. 9 from the Wigmore Hall Live recording, is available now on Apple Music Classical.
Apple Music Classical is part of Apple Music's subscription service that costs $5.99 per month for students, or $11 per month for individuals. Apple Music is also included in Apple One.
