Hollywood
Russian composer Alexander Zhurbin inks deal with Warner/Chappell Music
MUMBAI: Warner/Chappell Music (WCM), the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has signed a global publishing agreement with Russian composer Alexander Zhurbin.
Zhurbin is one of the industry’s most acclaimed and prolific composers, having written four symphonies, 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. Effective immediately, Warner/Chappell will administer his works outside of Russia.
“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,” said Zhurbin.
“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,” said Warner/Chappell Music SVP of theatre and catalog development Sean Patrick Flahaven.
Zhurbin’s hit rock-opera, Orpheus and Eurydice, 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. His English-language stage musicals in progress include Used and Abused (based on Dostoevsky), The Seagull (based on Chekhov), children’s opera Good Health, Your Majesty, and rock–opera Orpheus and Eurydice.
Zhurbin is also a published author of seven books, including the recent My History of Music. Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Mr. Zhurbin studied music at Tashkent Conservatory, Gnessin Music Academy, and Leningrad Conservatory, earning his PhD.
A major festival, named ’50 Years with the Music of Maestro Alexander Zhurbin’ featuring music Zhurbin composed, will be held in Moscow from October through December, 2015.
It may be recalled that in June 2013, WMG announced the acquisition of Gala Records Group, Russia’s leading independent music company, and subsequently established Warner Music Russia.
Hollywood
David Zaslav could net up to $887m as Warner Bros Discovery sells up
Media mogul strikes gold as Paramount Skydance deal triggers massive windfall
NEW YORK: While the average office worker might hope for a nice clock and a round of applause upon leaving, David Zaslav is looking at a slightly more substantial parting gift. The chief executive officer of Warner Bros Discovery is positioned to receive a windfall of up to $887 million following the company’s blockbuster $110 billion sale to Paramount Skydance.
In a twist of corporate fate that feels scripted for the big screen, the deal marks the finale of a high-stakes bidding war. It comes after Netflix, once the frontrunner, decided to exit stage left and abandon its pursuit of the HBO Max parent company.
While most people receive a standard final paycheck, the filing released on Monday suggests Zaslav’s exit package is built a little differently. If the deal closes as expected in the third quarter of 2026, the numbers break down like this:
The cash out: A severance package of $34.2 million, covering his salary and bonuses.
The equity: $115.8 million in vested shares he already owns.
The future fortune: A massive $517.2 million in unvested share awards, essentially “future stock” that turns into real money the moment the ink dries on the merger.
Perhaps the most eye-catching figure is the $335 million earmarked for tax reimbursements. However, this particular pot of gold has an expiration date.
The company noted that these reimbursements are tied to specific tax-code rules that significantly decline as time passes. If the deal hits a snag and drags into 2027, that tax payout drops to zero. With hundreds of millions on the line, the chief executive officer likely has every incentive to ensure the closing process moves at double-speed.
