Columbia Artists (CAMI) – one of the world’s biggest and best-known agencies – has ceased operations. The company was hit hard by COVID-19 and closed for business on 31 August.
Founded in 1930, the agency represented legendary artists such as Yehudi Menuhin, Van Cliburn, Leonard Bernstein, Herbert von Karajan and Otto Klemperer. Names on its book prior to closure included soprano Brenda Rae; conductors Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla and Valery Gergiev; and pianist Maurizio Pollini.
The company posted the following statement on its website:
“After prolonged deliberation and with profound sadness, the owners of Columbia Artists announced today that the company will cease operations effective immediately. This painful decision has been made as the result of the impact of the world-wide pandemic’s effect on the entire performing arts community.
“For over eight decades Columbia Artists has been at the forefront of the live performing arts. The unfortunate and unavoidable decision to close this storied firm has been arrived at through sober deliberation and with intense regret.
“Columbia Artists extends our deepest gratitude to all of the artists with whom we have been privileged to work, and to our talented staff and friends throughout many extraordinary years of great performances.”