Chinese composer signs exclusive deal with German record label

Multi-award-winning composer, arranger, pianist and producer Yu-Peng Chen signed to Deutsche Grammophon, the record company announced on Friday.

Classically trained Chen is the first Chinese composer to sign an exclusive agreement with the German record label.

Chen is well-known for the richly melodic and stylistically multifaceted music he has written for several film and game soundtracks. He earned global fame as the musical mastermind behind the open-world role-playing game Genshin Impact.

He will release an extended edition of his album Fantasyland, recorded with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Robert Ziegler.

His plans with DG include an album featuring a brand-new orchestral work scheduled for a winter 2026 release, as well as recordings of solo piano pieces.

"I'm honored to have signed with Deutsche Grammophon," says Chen.

"It's very exciting to have the team's support as I take the next step in my classical music journey. I can't wait to share my visions with audiences around the world and the many listeners who have loyally supported me over the years. For me, there are no boundaries in music. I want to keep exploring and experimenting, bringing together Western orchestral sounds with instrumental colors from Chinese tradition and beyond."

Born in China's Hunan province in 1984, Chen trained at the Shenzhen Arts School and Shanghai Conservatory of Music, studying composition and later earning a degree in music design and production.

His key influences include Joe Hisaishi, John Williams and Rachmaninoff. Chen developed a personal style that combines traditional instruments and a wide range of musical elements from Eastern cultures with Western harmonies and orchestral writing.

"The record label's visibility has significantly increased in the Chinese market over the last few years, and has fostered Chinese talent," notes Clemens Trautmann, president of Deutsche Grammophon and New Business Strategy Global Classics.

"We're proud that Yu-Peng Chen is the first Chinese composer to work exclusively with DG, and look forward to a fruitful relationship in the years ahead."

Kleopatra Sofroniou, general manager of DG Classics, says: "I first heard Yu-Peng Chen's music at a gaming event. Its beautiful melodies, imaginative instrumentation, and skillful blending of Western and world music traditions are simply magical."