Phantom of the Opera and Cats composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group has forged a new partnership with publishing company Concord Bicycle Music to create The Musical Company, which will license amateur and professional performance rights for live theatrical productions.
The offices will operate out of New York and London.
At the top of the list will be Lloyd Webber’s musical catalogue, which also includes Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sunset Boulevard and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Lloyd Webber’s catalogue, which has been licensed in the U.S. by Rodgers & Hammerstein, will now be overseen by The Musical Company.
His latest musical School of Rock, now on Broadway and ramping up for a West End premiere, is currently available for production in schools across the globe. It’s a rare and groundbreaking move for a new Broadway musical, a likely indicator of what’s in store at The Musical Company.
Sean Patrick Flahaven, who formerly oversaw theatrical development for Warner/Chappell Music, will be the company’s founding CEO. The merger was brokered by Lisbeth R. Barron.
“TMC enters the market with a unique and superior skillset in support of musical theatre creators: professional & amateur licensing, music publishing and original cast recording,” said Concord Bicycle Music Chairman Steve Smith in a statement. “Exceptionally well-capitalized. Asset rich. Under one roof. Worldwide. And determined to both create new opportunities for, and preserve long-term value of the works of its affiliated writers and rights holders.”
Lloyd Webber added, “Steve Smith and his team at Concord Bicycle Music have distinguished themselves as both proactive advocates for creators, and quality stewards of artistic legacy. We are extremely enthusiastic about collaborating with them to create an exceptional, multi-disciplinary theatrical music rights management company.”
“I am excited and honored to be leading an exciting new venture with unique, unparalleled service for both established and next generation musical theatre writers,” said Flahaven. “Starting with these iconic catalogs and the support of Andrew, RUG, and CBM gives us a terrific base from which to actively seek new talent.”
The Musical Company will open its doors October 3.
