Ronald A. Wilford

Ronald A. Wilford was born on November 4, 1927, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the son of a Greek Orthodox father and a mother who was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Wilford attended the University of Utah, where he completed his higher education.

Wilford's early career included facilitating the introduction of Marcel Marceau to audiences in the United States. He was subsequently hired by Columbia Artists Management, Inc. (CAMI), where he played a significant role in establishing and managing the company's theatrical division. He became president of CAMI in 1970 and served in that role until 2000. After stepping down as president, he continued to serve as chairman and CEO until his death.

Throughout his career, Wilford was recognized as a prominent figure within the classical music industry. He managed the careers of numerous notable conductors, including James Levine, Seiji Ozawa, Mstislav Rostropovich, Herbert von Karajan, Claudio Abbado, Kurt Masur, Sir Colin Davis, and Riccardo Muti. His client roster also included distinguished pianists such as Maurizio Pollini and Vladimir Horowitz, as well as vocalists Kathleen Battle and Marilyn Horne.

Wilford's impact on the arts extended beyond his management of individual artists, and he was regarded as one of the most influential power brokers in classical music. His association with CAMI spanning five decades highlights his long-standing influence within the industry.

He was married to Sara Wilford at the time of his death. Ronald A. Wilford passed away on June 13, 2015, in New York City.