Analekta

Analekta is a Canadian independent record label specializing in classical music. It was founded in 1988 by Montréal impresario François Mario Labbé. Analekta has grown to be the largest and most reputable independent classical record company in Canada, and has also begun to add jazz, world music, and film soundtracks to its catalogue. Analekta productions have received international recognition, including two Cannes Classical Awards in 2002 and 2004, thirty Félix Awards, a Gramophone magazine award and nine Juno Awards. Many of Analekta's musicians act as Canada's cultural ambassadors throughout the world.

History

One of the recording company's main objectives was to help Canada's finest classical musicians build strong international recording careers. François Mario Labbé conceived Analekta because major classical recording companies were interested in signing only existing prominent star artists, but not in supporting emerging Canadian talent. During the company's first two years, the impresario risked personal resources to develop the company, but by 1993 it had proven its worth and was eligible to receive government subsidies. The company has subsequently received support from the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Government of Québec.

Artists

The record label has produced hundreds of titles and aided the careers of numerous Canadian classical musicians. These include violinists Angèle Dubeau and James Ehnes; pianists Alain Lefèvre, Anton Kuerti and André Laplante; sopranos Julie Boulianne, Hélène Guilmette and Karina Gauvin; contralto Marie-Nicole Lemieux; countertenor Daniel Taylor; harpsichordists Bernard Lagacé, Geneviève Soly and Luc Beauséjour; double bassist Joel Quarrington; and cellist Denis Brott.

Analekta has also recorded and promoted the Orchestre Métropolitain, the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and the Canadian classical ensembles Quatuor Alcan, Arion, Amati, Gryphon Trio, La Pietà, I Musici de Montréal, and Tafelmusik.

Recordings

Analekta recordings are distributed in Canada (Distribution Select and Naxos Canada Ltd); the US (Koch Entertainment); Mexico (Koch Entertainment); the United Kingdom; Europe (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland); and South Korea.

In 1995, in order to improve the efficiency of its US marketing strategies, Analekta launched the Fleur de Lys label in the US. In later years, online marketing became a focus for the company. Analekta's recordings were made available on iTunes Canada in 2005, and in 2009 the label launched an interactive website, which includes its recording catalogue, performance videos, a digital music store, and an extensive news portal.