Askonas Holt to join the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Opus 3 Artists, and Pentatone in global initiative; Donagh Collins will serve as Chief E

Askonas Holt to join the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Opus 3 Artists, and Pentatone in global initiative; Donagh Collins will serve as Chief Executive of Askonas Holt and Opus 3 Artists

Growing alliance will unite two of the world’s leading artist management companies with a premiere conservatory and its record label, Pentatone

BERLIN, DE; LONDON, UK; NEW YORK, NY; SAN FRANCISCO, CA—December 13, 2022—The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) is acquiring leading arts management company Askonas Holt and welcoming the firm to its existing alliance with artist management company Opus 3 Artists and classical music label Pentatone.

SFCM, a non-profit, leads the alliance, which spans the classical music sector. Partner organizations share a common mission to increase the impact of music in the world and change the nature of how students, artists, clients, staff, and patrons interact with one another—while each continues to operate autonomously.

Askonas Holt Chief Executive Donagh Collins will serve as chief executive overseeing both management companies. As chief executive, Donagh will be a member of the Business and Corporate Alliances Committee of the SFCM Board of Trustees.

SFCM President David Stull serves as chairman of the alliance and directs a joint leadership team charged with providing resources for collaboration, creative production, and the sustenance of healthy economic models. Robert Berretta remains managing director at Opus 3 Artists, alongside Chief Operating Officer Ben Maimin. Sean Hickey continues his role as managing director of Pentatone.

“The concept of growing this alliance emerged from the leadership at Opus 3 and blossomed into a shared vision through many conversations with our brilliant colleagues at Askonas Holt. The sheer talent and power of this new quartet of friends and partners promises to advance the cause of music at the highest level across the globe. It will create limitless opportunities for students, provide a creative playground for the world’s finest artists to advance their ideas, expand our capacity to capture and record important work, and allow us all to imagine and create our future together. I am thrilled to welcome Donagh and his colleagues to the team and look forward to many adventures ahead,” said Stull.

“Askonas Holt has never stood still,” said Collins. “From our roots as an impresario nearly 150 years ago, we always strive for new opportunities and the representation of top-tier talent, leading to the successful company we celebrate today. We have an incredible team, whose tireless dedication to their work inspires me as they serve their artists and clients. Under the umbrella of SFCM, with their impressive resources and expertise, we have clear ambitions which will benefit artists and staff as we develop more touring, presenting, and producing initiatives. It gives us increased excitement about our future. I am thrilled to embark on this new journey and look forward to working with David and his team at SFCM, the team at Pentatone, and alongside my new colleagues at Opus 3 Artists in New York and in Berlin.”

Enabled by private support, SFCM acquired New York- and Berlin-based Opus 3 Artists in October 2020 and Netherlands-based Pentatone in May 2022. In the time since, the alliance yielded several artist residency engagements and recordings, as well as a new Artist Apprentice Program.

The addition of Askonas Holt will expand the network’s geographical footprint, artist reach, and expertise. The London-based agency shares with its partners a commitment to long-term career management—this year marks the 50th anniversary of Sir Simon Rattle joining its roster—rooted in early-stage talent development. Recent initiatives include the successful Lies Askonas Fellowship program that provides young artists with personalized mentorship and support while connecting them with more experienced colleagues.

“Askonas Holt has long been a valued collaborative partner, and our companies share remarkably similar philosophies with regard to artist management and community engagement,” said Berretta, noting that the entities share numerous clients on their respective sides of the Atlantic. “As soon as we joined SFCM, colleagues at both institutions expressed mutual excitement to work more closely with Donagh and with Askonas Holt. The opportunity to develop our shared vision is tremendous.” “Music is essential to life, and education is the best promise for tomorrow,” said Stull. “These are the values that inspire us to take risks with optimism and conviction. This endeavor promises to create a new path for all of us to a beautiful and brighter future.”

About San Francisco Conservatory of Music

SFCM draws on the bold creativity of San Francisco to offer unparalleled training for the 21st century musician. We support students in developing the skills and vision to chart successful careers and advance the human experience through music. We believe a musical education must extend far beyond technical and performance skills. Our commitment to music of enduring quality and importance is the foundation of our innovative curriculum, cultivating critical thinking and business acumen alongside artistic practice, and creating a transformative environment of inquiry, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. Our DNA combines a global perspective with the unstoppable energy and imagination of our hometown. Our pioneering programs and partnerships with leading institutions and businesses prepare students to seize opportunities in music and a wide array of the fastest developing sectors today. SFCM is a magnet for exceptional faculty whose ongoing professional experience benefits our students. As the only conservatory partnered with leading artist management companies and a legendary recording label, we can provide our students unique insight and access to the music industry.

About Askonas Holt

With a history dating back to 1876, Askonas Holt is an industry-leading classical music and performing arts management company. Based in London and working across the globe, a highly experienced team provides bespoke, personal management to over 300 celebrated conductors, instrumentalists, singers, and directors, including Sir Simon Rattle, Joyce DiDonato, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Nicola Benedetti and Sir András Schiff. In addition, Askonas Holt arranges international tours and residencies for the world’s leading orchestras and arts companies, such as the Berliner Philharmoniker, The Philadelphia Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, and Wiener Philharmoniker. Committed to nurturing young artists, the company’s Lies Askonas Fellowship programme develops the next generation of talent, while its programme of presentations celebrates an impresario heritage. For more information, please visit www.askonasholt.com.

About Opus 3

Opus 3 Artists is a leading company managing the careers and touring activities of many of the world’s greatest performing artists and ensembles. The company traces its roots to the pioneering role of the legendary Sol Hurok, the great 20^th century impresario.

Opus 3 Artists’ talented and respected team of managers includes a dedicated staff of booking representatives and program and travel, marketing, and tour production specialists, all sharing a common passion for artistic excellence.

While the focus of Opus 3 Artists’ roster includes instrumentalists, vocalists, conductors, composers, chamber music ensembles, and touring chamber and symphony orchestras, it is increasingly complemented by a growing roster of dance and theater companies, jazz, world, and new music ensembles and artists.

True to the Hurok legacy, Opus 3 Artists continues to be a leader in discovering, nurturing, and developing young artists by helping to establish the network and foundation for their art and performing careers. The company is proud of the many impressive examples of this long-term commitment to young artists who have become major figures in the international cultural scene.

Contact

Andrew Ousley
andrew@unison.media
917.331.2337