New Arts International

- 25 years of Challenge Records translates into 25 years of highest-quality jazz and classical music

25 years of Challenge Records translates into 25 years of highest-quality jazz and classical music, performed by artists who have the freedom to choose their own story in music. Their story is one of passion, and our vision at Challenge Records is to give all our musicians the chance to share the music they want to play with all their heart. We love all the different colours that our artists represent: from the intense energy and dedication of Ton Koopman to Fay Claassen’s warm voice with its raw edge; from the versatility and artistry of Yuri Honing to Isabelle van Keulen’s pure love for Piazzolla’s music; from the musical poetry of pianist Camiel Boomsma to the artistic quality and beauty of Christoph Prégardien’s voice.

Everything is possible, from jazz improvisation all the way to a classical approach to the French chanson! So many different ideas and opportunities, so much superb music! In the early 1990s, producer and jazz singer Chris Ellis offered Anne de Jong the chance to start up his own company after Anne stopped working at Timeless Records. This was a dream come true; a dream that is still is very much alive, although Anne de Jong now is CEO for the Dutch NVPI (The Dutch Trade Association of the entertainment industry). In 2018, Marcel Landman took over Anne’s position as head of the company. Although Chris Ellis died at 90 years of age in January 2019, he will always be a godfather to the team at Challenge. And Anne’s inspiration also still runs through all our veins, even though we are now standing strong on our own two feet, just like a young fledgling leaving the nest. Challenge Records is a strong and truly Dutch brand of which we are proud, introducing a host of national and international artists with whom we love to work. As conductor Sigiswald Kuijken (who himself celebrates his 75th birthday this year) mentioned in a lovely note to us: “Congratulations and stand firm - this alone presents a real challenge in this day and age!”

25 - Challenge Records 25th anniversary