New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ IFPI) Placido Domingo has been named as chairman of IFPI, the organisation that represents the recording industry worldwide.
Domingo is a world-renowned, multifaceted artist. Recognised as one of the finest and most influential singing actors in the history of opera, he is also a conductor and a major force as an opera administrator in his role as general director of the LA Opera.
As a singer, his repertoire encompasses 134 roles, a number unmatched by any other tenor in history, with more than 3500 career performances. During his 40-year career, he has made more than 100 recordings of complete operas, compilations of arias and duets, and crossover discs. He has conducted more than 450 operatic performances and symphonic concerts with the world's major orchestras and opera companies.
As one of the celebrated "three tenors" in 1990, along with Luciano Pavarotti and Jose Carreras, he brought opera to a mass global audience. He has recorded with all the major international record companies and won prolific acclaim including 12 Grammy awards. He has also been a dedicated supporter of young artists, founding programmes to promote the careers of future opera stars.
As chairman, Domingo will play a leading role promoting IFPI's priorities internationally. These include improving copyright legislation, promoting the work of music rights owners, helping develop a thriving digital music sector and supporting the industry's public education efforts around digital music.
Placido Domingo said: "It is a great honour to be invited to become the chairman of IFPI. I have always passionately believed in the importance of respecting talent and in the rights of all those who perform, create, produce and invest in music. Today, the world of music and in fact most of the arts is undergoing enormous changes and challenges. Technology, which on one hand allows artists to reach many more than ever before, has led to a debate about how to find a way to protect the intellectual property rights of artists, creators and all those living and working in the world of music. I look forward to being a part of those discussions."
Frances Moore, chief executive of IFPI, said: "It is a privilege to welcome Placido Domingo to IFPI. He is an artist of unrivalled talent and authority who speaks from the heart about the issues that matter to him. His forceful advocacy for the intellectual property rights of the music sector comes at a pivotal moment, as governments in many countries consider new legislation to curb piracy and help develop the legitimate digital music business".
Global music company heads have also welcomed the appointment.
Doug Morris, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: "I am delighted that Placido Domingo has agreed to become chairman of IFPI. He is a distinguished artist who will be able to communicate the intrinsic value of music to decision-makers at the very highest level. I look forward to working with him."
Edgar Bronfman, Jr., CEO, Warner Music Group, said, "Placido Domingo is an historic figure in music who is uniquely placed to help shape our industry's future to best serve fans, artists, producers, songwriters and companies alike. His passion for culture and global profile makes his voice especially credible in helping to bring about the public policies necessary to foster the growth of new music and digital services. It is an honour to welcome him as chairman of the IFPI."
Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO, Universal Music Group, said: "Placido Domingo's lifetime work defines the emotional and cultural significance of music. More eloquently than anyone, he can speak about those who make it, those who invest in its creation, and why this matters."
Mike Batt, chairman of Dramatico Entertainment, says: "It is good news for the whole music industry that Placido Domingo is to be chairman of IFPI. At a time when the inherent value of music is being challenged, he is the embodiment of its continuing importance. He will be able to make the case that artists, and those that invest in them, deserve to have their rights respected so that they can continue to produce great music."
Roger Faxon, chief executive, EMI Music Group, said: "Placido Domingo has an innate understanding of the complex world of music and the issues that surround it, built over his more than fifty years in the industry. His leadership of IFPI will be invaluable as it seeks to deliver successful outcomes for the benefit of the artists that its members are privileged to work with."
