Competition winner picks start-up agency over major suitors
mainThe Australian pianist Jayson Gillham, winner of the Montreal Piano Competition, has signed an agency deal with Emblem Artists, a one-woman firm that has just one other artist on its books – the violinist Nicola Benedetti.
Emblem is owned by Elaine Armstrong, a refugee from the crumbling edifice of IMG Artists.
Jayson (centre) is thrilled to be getting dedicated, professional attention.
Young fledglings don’t generally “pick” agencies. It’s quite the other way around. And with “major” piano competitions happening now in every city on earth, “winning” can be more of a liability these days.
Absolutely true and I am sure Norman knows this full well 😉 Of course the details are unique in every instance and it is possible that this artist was highly sought-after. But much more likely these two feel they can help each other….as any positive agent/artist relationship should be. I wish them both all the best!