NONESUCH RECORDS PRESIDENT DAVID BITHER TO OVERSEE WMG’S CLASSICAL DIVISION
MARKUS PETERSEN APPOINTED EVP & GENERAL MANAGER, WARNER CLASSICS
Veteran music executive Alain Lanceron has been named Chairman Emeritus of Warner Classics & Erato, effective January 1, 2026. The widely admired leader has worked for EMI Classics and Warner Classics for more than five decades, and headed the classical division of Warner Music Group (WMG) for the last 12 years, during which he accelerated the company’s evolution as the home for many of the most prominent artists and recordings in the classical world, bolstering its legendary catalog while nurturing a new generation of stars.
At the same time, it was announced that David Bither, President of WMG’s Nonesuch Records label, will expand his role to add oversight of Warner Classics & Erato to his responsibilities. In addition, long-standing label executive Markus Petersen has been promoted to the new role of Executive Vice President & General Manager, Warner Classics.
Warner Classics & Erato possess a distinctive and powerful legacy with a classical music roster and catalog that spans the classical canon and includes many of the world’s most acclaimed orchestras, conductors, soloists, and chamber ensembles.
In 2026, Warner Classics & Erato will release new exciting recordings by Eric Lu, Jakub Józef Orliński, Fatma Said, Fazil Say, Bertrand Chamayou, Daniel Lozakovich, Christina Pluhar, Quatuor Ébène, RIOPY, and many more, while also continuing the revitalization of its unique classical catalog.
Alain Lanceron said: “It has been the greatest honor of my life to lead Warner Classics and Erato for the past eleven years. Working with so many brilliant and talented artists to both revitalize and premiere some of the greatest music ever created has been a dream come true. While I am stepping back from the day-to-day management to pursue other interests, I look forward to working closely with David, Markus, our great artists and wonderful team on the label’s strategic future.”
David Bither noted: “Alain has made outstanding contributions to the vitality of not only Warner Classics but the broader classical universe, and I know I will be drawing on his insight and support in his new role. I’d also like to congratulate Markus on his new post. We live in an era where classical composers and performers take inspiration from a wide range of musical influences. We look forward to bringing music both contemporary and historic to global audiences as we expand upon the rich history of Warner Classics.”
The rich Warner Classics & Erato catalog features works by acclaimed artists such as Maria Callas, Jacqueline du Pré, Nigel Kennedy, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, Herbert von Karajan, and Berliner Philharmoniker, while its current roster includes stars such as Joyce DiDonato, Philippe Jaroussky, Pene Pati, Emmanuel Pahud, Alexandre Tharaud, Sir Antonio Pappano, Jakub Józef Orliński, and Gautier Capuçon.
Alain Lanceron was named President of Warner Classics & Erato in 2014, following WMG’s acquisition of Parlophone Label Group (PLG), which included the renowned EMI Classics and Virgin Classics label. He previously served as President of Virgin Classics and Director of EMI Classics France.
David Bither was named Co-President of Nonesuch Records in 2016 and became the sole President the following year. He joined the label in 1995 as Senior Vice President and has since played an instrumental role in guiding the label’s A&R direction and forging its distinctive culture. Bither previously held posts at Warner Communications and WMG’s Elektra Records division, where he was Senior Vice President/General Manager.
Markus Petersen joined EMI Classics in 2009 and was promoted to SVP, Global Operations and Business Development when the label became part of Warner Music Group in 2013. He previously held posts at Naxos, Universal Music Group, and PolyGram International, in addition to heading his own music and digital distribution consultancy firm.
