Breaking: Classical music’s superagent has died

We have been informed of the death, early on Saturday, of Ronald Wilford, chairman and owner of Columbia Artists Management (CAMI).

Ronald, who was 87, had been on top of his business to the last, coming into the office most days of the week.

Known as the Silver Fox, he personally represented many of the world’s leading conductors – 111 of them at one time – but in recent years focussed on a core group consisting of James Levine, Seiji Ozawa, Daniele Gatti, Riccardo Chailly and Christian Thielemann.

His death brings the era of big agents to an end in the classical music world.

CAMI have issued a statement, saying ‘the normal operation of the company will continue under the leadership of our ongoing executive structure’.

I will comment further on Ronald’s death in the days ahead. Although he and I were long-time adversaries, our relationship was generally tinged with mutual respect.

picture: Lebrecht Music&Arts

An uncertain future here.