In Memoriam: Marie-Anne de Valmalète, Honorary President of the AEAA

The AEAA mourns the passing of its Honorary President, Madame Marie-Anne de Valmalète.

Marie-Anne (Annie) de Valmalète was more than the daughter of Marcel de Valmalète, one of the AEAA’s founders in 1947. For over five decades, she dedicated herself as a passionate, unwavering, and committed artist agent and talent scout. Above all, she embodied the very essence of our Association - a presence that remained steadfast and devoted until her final moment.

We honor her with our deepest gratitude and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and all who cherished her.

We now share the tributes below offered by four of our former Presidents.

Réda Sidi Boumedine:

„As former President of the AEAA and above all as a dear friend, I would like to honor Annie’s memory. I will never forget her radiant smile and how warmly she welcomed me when I was starting out. I am deeply grateful for everything she taught me and for how brilliantly she championed our shared values. She was an extraordinary President of both the AFAA and the AEAA. I will always treasure her trademark humor and how she touched hearts across borders and generations. My deepest thoughts go out to her family. Rest in peace, dear Annie.“

Andrea Hampl:

„Always smiling and cheerful, yet dignified and straight. That is how I will remember Annie. Thank you for everything you did for us! My heartfelt condolences to her family. Rest in peace, Annie.“

Mark Stephan Buhl:

„Thank you, Annie, for your friendship, support, encouragement, professional example and collaboration for so many years! We will never forget you and genuinely thank you sincerely for everything you have done for the AEAA and our profession. R.I.P.“

Patrick Garvey:

„I became aware of the agency world when I was a player and much more so when I managed the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra before becoming one agent myself. When that happened the hierarchy of respect became clearer and it rapidly became obvious that Annie de Valmalète was one of a select band at the top of that tree. Before long I got to know her and my respect just kept rising ever higher. She was no fool and never “took prisoners” but she had a warmth and understanding of humanity that was immense alongside a capacity for true and boundless friendship which I was privileged to enjoy. She was a wonderful ambassador for our profession and will be sorely missed by us all as well as much of the musical world.“