Warner Classics backs new signings. (Classical news).

Warner Classics is looking to spread the word that it remains an important player among the classical majors. The company's radical downsizing at the end of last year convinced many observers that its established and trusted labels would retreat from the business of making new records.

However, Warner's London-based classical division, led by Matthew Cosgrove, has this year brokered new contract deals with mezzo-soprano Susan Graham and pianist Nikolai Lugansky and re-signed other leading artists, including Nikolaus Harnoncourt (pictured), William Christie and Vadim Repin.

"Our vision for the future is that we should play to our strengths," says Cosgrove. "We intend to make quality classical recordings with outstanding artists. While we haven't turned our back on crossover titles, they're not the way out of the difficulties being experienced by the classical industry."

Warner Classics, he adds, has a budget to create new discs and intends to invest in a handful of high-profile titles each year. It will also continue to expand its catalogue lines, hoping to match the success of the budget-price Apex series with Prima Luci -- a bargain ...