Ted Perry

George Edward "Ted" Perry (15 May 1931 – 9 February 2003) was a British record executive and founder of classical music label Hyperion Records.^[1][2]

Perry grew up in a working-class family in Derby. A childhood hip operation left him unable to take part in sports, leading to an early passion for music. He started memorizing classical record catalogues and began working at a record shop in London as a teenager.^[2] He later joined Deutsche Grammophon’s London office in 1956 before moving to Sydney in 1957 to work for Festival Records.^[1][2]

Returning to Britain in 1961, Perry joined the Saga music label as director of artists and repertory. After various roles in the industry and co-founding Meridian Records, he established Hyperion in 1980 with his wife Doreen Perry and another partner.^[2] To support the business in its early years, he worked as a mini-cab driver during the night while his family helped package records.^[1]

Hyperion gained early success with recordings such as A Feather on the Breath of God (1982), featuring the music of Hildegard of Bingen. Releasing "Sacred Vocal Music of Monteverdi" (1984) also proved to be a big succces. Performers were soprano Emma Kirkby, tenor Ian Partridge and bass David Thomas.^[2] The label became known for exploring lesser-known repertoire, including Renaissance, Baroque and Romantic works, as well as a comprehensive 36-CD cycle of songs of Franz Schubert led by Graham Johnson.^[1][2] Perry often promoted emerging artists over established stars, supporting performers like Leslie Howard and Stephen Hough.^[1] Eventually Hyperion Records became the biggest independent classical label in Great Britain.^[2]

Perry was appointed MBE in 1990 for services to music.^[1] He died of lung cancer in London on 9 February 2003 at the age of 71.^[2] He was survived by a son and two daughters.^[1][2]