Agnès

Agnès de Hooghe (1950-2009)
Agnès was a refined artist, very decisive in her taste, very subtle in her judgement. Like no other she managed to combine conviction and diplomacy. We all loved her distinguished qualities and her radiant personality. In animated discussions she charmed us with her noble distinction, her attentiveness and her modesty and care. In celebrating dinners, she loved sharing a glass of champagne, a superb Bordeaux and refined food.

In the many reactions from family, friends and colleagues the same words tend to come back: «I am keeping so many souvenirs of Agnès, so she will remain in my imagination?as a most charming, friendly and sympathetic person !... She was so kind, warm and gentle... Her continuous support was even there when I went through difficult times and lost believe in my own capacities... Ze was een lieve en klassevolle dame... She was not only a business partner but also one of our dearest and warmest friends ... She was a very sweet person ... »

She was an accomplished violinist. Practicing professionally during many years she acquired a vast experience in craftsmanship, which enabled her to develop an empathy with every musician in every context. As an art historian she developed a distinctive taste for early music and baroque in particular. Meeting and marrying Georges Octors, eminent conductor and representative of the Belgian violin school, signified a decisive change in her career and life. Her profound desire to share her conception of the art, and to help performers in the realisation of their vocation, convinced her to start working as an artist‘s agent. The ideal of strictness, the love of beauty, the effortless search for elusive perfection characterised her way of working.

I met Agnès, about 7 years ago. She changed quiet clearly my artistic and professional development. She became my 'compagnon de route' and 'compagnon d'ame' in so many ways. She made me think on what is important and what isn't. Losing her is losing a very dear friend. She created the possibility to feel free on every decision to make and supported every possible and impossible dream.
Agnès gave us so much, she was so generous, she left us so many wonderful memories we will never forget. With her gentle way and humor, she was a unique person. It has been a privilege to know her.

Koen Kessels, Conductor
10 th of July 2009