Power 50 - #47: Cyrus Meher-Homji OAM

BACKGROUND CHECK

Cyrus Meher-Homji trained as a concert pianist and holds a Master's Degree in Musicology. He joined Universal Music Group in 1998 as Marketing Manager for PolyGram Classics & Jazz and is also one of the founding board members of the Joan Sutherland & Richard Bonynge Foundation. In 2008, Meher-Homji launched his own television program, Good Listening.

THE YEAR THAT WAS

As General Manager of Universal Music Australia, Classics & Jazz, Meher-Homji has been integral to the broadening of the label's activities throughout 2018, expanding the label's reach into presenting live concerts (UMA's first festival is to be held this year). Release-wise, Greta Bradman's Home dropped on Decca Australia (a division of UMA) in 2018, before the soprano went on to tour the country extensively, performing mostly in churches and cathedrals. Also last year, classical crossover pianist Van-Anh Nguyen signed to Decca Australia. And 2019 already looks great for Universal, with the recent announcement that The Seekers have entered into a long-term partnership with Decca Records. 

2018'S CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT?

"Receiving an Order of Australia medal for my work in the performing arts was a moment of dual pride and humility. What is often considered a ‘niche’ - classical music is my professional and personal universe. So to see its renewed accessibility via streaming platforms, and being able to lead the evolution of something that has been around for a thousand years in new and exciting ways, is a privilege.”