Kristjan Järvi, part of the illustrious conducting family which also includes his father Neeme and brother Paavo, has signed a contract with Sony Classical.

The deal begins with the release in September of "Cantique", which features works by composer Arvo Pärt, including his Symphony No 3, Cantique des degrès and the first recording of the orchestral and choral version of his Stabat Mater, a version commissioned by Järvi. He conducts the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra on the release.

The project is built on strong family links between Järvi and Pärt. Järvi senior and the composer had been close friends since working together at Estonian Radio in the 1960s, before both emigrating from the country in 1980. Pärt’s Third Symphony is dedicated to Neeme Järvi.

Järvi’s repertoire choices combine the traditional classical canon with a commitment to programming and commissioning contemporary works. Founder of New York-based Absolute Ensemble, Järvi was, until last year, music director of the Tonkünstler Orchestra, Vienna. Recording accolades including a Gramophone Editor’s Choice for his 2009 recording of Bernstein’s Mass, released on Chandos records.