Former NPO’s entire catalogue acquired

A Manchester-based ensemble that closed following the loss of its entire Arts Council England (ACE) funding has had its full catalogue of works acquired.

NMC Recordings announced the full acquisition of Psappha’s work earlier this week.

Throughout its 32-year history, Psappha commissioned and premiered music by more than 500 composers and also launched its own record label.

Announcing its closure earlier this year, the ensemble said the loss of £250,000 a year funding from ACE had proven “too great a challenge to overcome”.

NMC Executive Director Cathy Graham said Psappha’s contribution to living composers and the musical life of this country has been “immeasurable”. 

“We were enormously saddened to learn of their decision to close but proud and happy that NMC Recordings is able to safeguard their legacy by ensuring their magnificent recorded archive, which we have previously distributed, will be available in perpetuity.”