“Ronald A. Wilford, a spotlight-shunning manager who became one of the most powerful figures in classical music in the second half of the 20th century not by conducting orchestras but by orchestrating the careers of conductors, died on Saturday in Manhattan,” writes Michael Cooper in Saturday’s (6/13) New York Times. “His death was announced by Tim Fox, the president of Columbia Artists Management, the agency where Mr. Wilford had worked for more than 50 years…. Over the years his clients included Herbert von Karajan, James Levine, Claudio Abbado, Seiji Ozawa, Riccardo Muti, Kurt Masur and Colin Davis…. Wilford was born Nov. 4, 1927, and grew up in Salt Lake City.… He attended the University of Utah…. As a young manager, he introduced the mime Marcel Marceau to the United States. He was able to ride the tremendous success he had with Marceau to a career with Columbia Artists, where he was hired to establish a theatrical division. Wilford became the president of Columbia Artists in 1970 and held the post until 2000, when he stepped down but assumed the titles of chairman and chief executive, which he held until his death.” Wilford is survived by his wife, Sara, a son, Christopher, and a daughter, Diane Whiting.
Posted June 15, 2015
