Tributes flow for musical theatre academy founder Loïc Valmy

A well-known Brisbane film composer and music director is being remembered after his recent death, which occurred a short time after a call to his wife and children.

Loic Valmy died in Brisbane on Agutst 9.

Tributes have flowed for well-known Brisbane film composer and musical theatre director Loïc Valmy, who died last week after a sudden heart attack, shortly after Facetiming his wife and children at work.

Described as an “amazing” father and a dedicated tutor at his business, the Loïc Valmy Broadway Academy at Lutwyche, his passing has shocked the Brisbane musical theatre community.

The 51-year-old was born in France in 1972, excelling in musical theatre after fulfilling a promise he made to his parents that he would complete a masters of psychology.

The 51-year-old was born in France in 1972.

From 1995 to 2004 he composed for several European productions, feature films, documentaries and TV series, before emigrating to Australia in 2000.

In 2013, three films he scored were selected for the Festival of Cannes and in December of the same year he received the Australian Screen Industry Network Award for Best Composer.

Mr Valmy’s partner Lee Valmy praised his confidence, charisma, strength, courage and direction.

“Loïc passed on Friday afternoon, 9th August, in a place that brought him immense happiness, the place that he had built with his own hands, to teach and do what he loved,” she said.

“He was doing what he loved right up until the end. The day started as usual, we Facetimed Daddy during the work day to share some songs the little kids had been practising at home.

“He was blown away by their mini-performances. That was the last time we spoke to him and saw his face, which is pretty special.

“We are lucky that we got to have that last connection”.

The couple met after working on a small production in Brisbane.

“He was the director, and I was the choreographer, very cliche, but from the moment we met we connected creatively, everything else fell into place so naturally,” she said.

“Our shared love for music, theatre, and the arts quickly blossomed into a deep personal and professional partnership that shaped both our lives and the foundation of LVBA.”

Mr Valmy had four children - Elisa Grace, Evan Alexander, Keira-Lou and Liam.

Ms Valmy said his greatest joy was spending quality time with his family.

“Family time was sacred to him, whether it was doing groceries together or going fishing with the kids,” Ms Valmy said.

“We did absolutely everything together, he was an amazing father who made sure they knew how much he loved them every single day,” she said.

Colleague and friend Nathan Seiler said Mr Valmy gave his whole self to everything he did.

“He was a heart-centred man of courage and tenacity, unafraid to tell the truth, to go against the grain, and lead by example,” Mr Valmy said.

“He was respected, admired and loved by his peers and students alike.

Mr Valmy called his family shortly before his sudden passing on Friday, August 9.

“Loïc inspired confidence through being authentic. His raw honesty, cutting through the usual conventions of politeness, putting everything on the table, creating a safe space for people to be truly vulnerable and real with themselves, inspiring them to be the best versions of themselves.

“He leaves behind a profound legacy and his vision of excellence in musical theatre will live on, grow and flourish as the upcoming generations carry the torch,” he said.

The family have created a GoFundMe page to support them during this unimaginable time.

If you can donate, please click here.