Classical musicians support Japan

Musical initiatives to aid the Japanese Red Cross’ disaster relief efforts have been announced by two of the leading record labels.

EMI artists and composers are uniting for an auction of personal items and memorabilia on eBay, and Universal Music artists are releasing the album Classics for Japan – Music for Healing.

Angela Gheorghiu - who has donated her Madame Butterfly kimono - Yundi and Diana Damrau are among the classical musicians who are contributing to the charity auction. They’re joined by artists from across all genres of the EMI family, including Coldplay, Norah Jones, The Beach Boys, Katy Perry and The Beatles.

Classics for Japan – Music for Healing features classical music stars who are either Japanese or have enjoyed particular success in Japan, including Daniel Barenboim, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Mitsuko Uchida and Seiji Ozawa. It will be released on Universal as a digital-only album on 6 April.

All funds raised from both initiatives will go to the Japanese Red Cross, for the ongoing immediate relief of those affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

The first phase of the charity auction starts today. All the items can be viewed on eBay
Classics for Japan – Music for Healing will be available for download from tomorrow, 6 April.