The world-renowned conductor Teodor Currentzis has founded a new record label: Theta. This label, named after the Greek letter Θ, reflects the Greek roots of Currentzis and serves as the platform for the ambitious recordings of his diverse musical projects. The first ensemble to appear on this label is Utopia, a revolutionary orchestra and choir that excels in both classical and contemporary music.
However, Theta is more than just a new record label; it is an artistic and visionary project that aims to push the boundaries of traditional music production. With Theta, Currentzis wants to realize a utopian vision in which music, art, and technology merge into a new standard of perfection and spirituality. The name 'Utopia' for his ensemble is therefore no coincidence, but a deliberate choice to emphasize the aspiration toward the ideal and the unattainable.
Utopia: an orchestra of world-class caliber
The Utopia Choir and Orchestra is a unique ensemble of several hundred top musicians from dozens of countries, including Japan, Brazil, Denmark, and Turkey. These exceptional musicians are each concert masters and soloists of world renown, coming from the largest and most prestigious orchestras. Under the leadership of Currentzis, they come together to achieve an unparalleled musical level with the greatest dedication and precision.
Since their founding in October 2022, Utopia has already performed six different programs in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, such as the Berlin Philharmonie, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, the Philharmonie Luxembourg, the Megaron in Athens, the Wiener Konzerthaus, MÜPA Budapest, and the Santa Cecilia Hall in Rome. They are also regularly invited to the Salzburger Festspiele, one of the most important music festivals in the world.
A new vision for music production
Teodor Currentzis is known for his unconventional and profound approach to music. His approach is based on an intensive study of the composer's original intentions, whereby he dares to challenge traditional interpretations and offers new insights. For him, each recording is an extensive research project that can last months or even years. The result is a unique, handcrafted recording that offers the listener an entirely new experience.
In the Funkhaus Berlin, a historic location striving for acoustic perfection, Currentzis works with his team of musicians, sound technicians, acoustic designers, and visual artists on these recordings. Here, in an atmosphere of experimentation and creation, recordings are produced that are not merely viewed as commercial products, but as works of art that aspire to a higher musical and spiritual experience. "Theta is our strategy for a new utopia," Currentzis explains. "A sanctuary where the profound visions of musicians, visual artists, sound technicians, and other visionaries come together to redefine the boundaries of music."
Collaboration with Outhere Music
Theta operates independently, but works closely with Outhere Music, a renowned European music publisher. Outhere Music will be responsible for both the physical and digital distribution of Theta's recordings. Charles Adriaenssen, president of Outhere Music, is enthusiastic about this collaboration. "I have known and admired Teodor for a long time," he says. "He released his first three recordings in the 2010s with Outhere, including a memorable Requiem by Mozart. When he asked me to collaborate with him on this new musical adventure, I agreed immediately. Teodor is one of the most interesting and visionary musicians of our time, and I am convinced that Theta will make an important contribution to the music world."
Future plans and first releases
The first releases on the Theta label are scheduled for 2025 and include Bruckner's Symphony No. 9 and Mahler's Symphony No. 3. These recordings are the result of extensive sessions at Funkhaus Berlin, where the orchestra has its creative residency. To celebrate the launch of the label and mark the 200th anniversary of Bruckner's birth on September 4, 2024, Theta will exclusively release the Scherzo from Bruckner's Symphony No. 9 on Apple Music on August 30.
In addition, Theta will reveal more surprises in the coming months, including collaborations with prominent contemporary artists for the visual presentation of the releases. The first of these will be with the renowned French artist Philippe Parreno.
Teodor Currentzis and his label Theta promise to surprise the music world with recordings that break conventions and offer the listener an unparalleled experience. With Theta, Currentzis enters a new musical era in which perfection, spirituality, and innovation take center stage.