MUMBAI: The Publishing division of Warner Music Group has entered into an agreement with Russian composer Alexander Zhurbin. According to the global deal, Warner/Chappell Music (WCM) will administer his work outside of Russia.

The deal, in effect, will encompass Zhurbin’s work, which includes four symphonies written by him, four concerti (for piano, violin, cello and viola with orchestra), six operas, and three ballets, as well as more than 40 stage musicals, 60 film and TV scores, and hundreds of popular songs. Zhurbin said, “I am happy to write simultaneously all different kinds of music: symphonies for big orchestras, pop songs, string quartets, rock ballets, chamber operas, and film soundtracks. When you turn your brain from one kind of music to another, your view is getting fresher, your ears are hearing better.”

Commenting on the agreement, SVP of Theatre and Catalog Development Sean Patrick Flahaven said, “Alexander has built a cherished body of work, as indicated by the fact that it’s been performed by some of the finest ensembles in Russia, Europe, Canada, and the United States. He’s one of today’s most prolific composers and we’re privileged to have him join the Warner/Chappell family.”

Orpheus and Eurydice, a rock opera by Zhurbin, ran for a record-breaking 39 years in Russia and sold over three million albums. His English-language musical ‘How It Was Done In Odessa’ had a sold-out run at the historic Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. Other English-language stage musicals in progress include ‘Used and Abused’ (based on Dostoevsky), ‘The Seagull’ (based on Chekhov), children’s opera ‘Good Health’ and ‘Your Majesty’.

The composer will have a major festival named, “50 Years with the Music of Maestro Alexander Zhurbin", featuring Zhurbin’s music. It will be held in Moscow from October to December, 2015.

In 2013, WMG expanded in Russia by acquiring independent music company Gala Records Group and later named it as Warner Music Russia.