Breaking: Biggest classical agency goes into liquidation

Columbia Artists, formerly CAMI, will cease trading on Monday.

Under Ronald Wilford’s command, the agency represented more than 100 conductors and many star soloists.

Since his death in 2015, it has struggled.

Here’s the statement:

Statement from Columbia Artists Management, Inc.

It is with a heavy heart that, having endured a prolonged pandemic environment, we must announce that effective August 31, 2020, Columbia Artists Management, Inc. will close its doors.  Throughout our 90-year history in supporting the arts and artists in New York and around the world, it’s been a joy to be your advocates in your careers.  We still believe in every one of you and your creations and are hopeful that the world will come back performing and creating like never before.

Columbia Artists has engaged with a fiduciary to enter into an assignment for the benefit of creditors, a form of insolvency proceeding where assets are liquidated, and claims addressed in an orderly manner.  We are working tirelessly to provide each of you individual, concrete guidance on your specific situation over the coming days.  In addition, we’re working together with the fiduciary to see a safe place to land for your Columbia Artists relationship.

The consequences are global, affecting every artist and musical organisation. We assess the outlook for the music industry here. It’s not good news for anyone.

These are the artists immediately affected.