A Major Loss to the Music and Art World...

[fifthcircle]

For those that haven't seen the obits in the major newspapers such as the LA Times and the NY Times. Betty Freeman, the supporter of modern music and modern art died this weekend at 87.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/07/ar...?_r=1&ref=arts
Appreciation: arts patron Betty Freeman | Culture Monster | Los Angeles Times
Betty Freeman dies at 87; art philanthropist and photographer - Los Angeles Times

I spent some time with her on a gig a couple years back recording an interview of her regarding the David Hockney painting of her "Beverly Hills Housewife." I walked into her house to be surrounded by masterpieces of modern art from Hockney to Warhol and Lichtenstein. I heard this extremely dissonant music coming from the kitchen area. When I walked in, I found a "little old lady" (the perfect stereotype) sitting there reading while listening to Boulez on her radio. She was sitting by that famous Hockney painting (which hangs in her kitchen/dining area). I found her to be a kind lady who was full of great stories.

Since then, I have seen her as a regular attendee of music concerts around Los Angeles ranging from the Ojai Festival to Piano Spheres to the Jacaranda series.

--Ben

[jnorman]

wow - what a obit. she must have been something very special. thanks for posting it, ben.

[videoteque]

Wow, didn't know about her, but from reading the news, the world needs at least another 10 Betty Freemans!!!thumbsup

[fifthcircle]

These obits/articles of appreciation don't even begin to scratch the surface of what Betty did for the music and arts scene. One of the staggering stats mentioned was that she is personally responsible for more than 400 commisions. This includes both music and visual arts.

Then- there are the ripple effects. Composers that she helped have changed the musical landscape and when they have achieved fame, others commision them. She allowed works to come to light that otherwise would never have been seen. I know I have been indirectly helped by her because she has given to various clients of mine that have allowed me to be hired for more work.

There is no way to overstate her influence on the music and art world.

--Bn

[Monobasser]

Not a name I was familiar with... but some of those commissions are the major works of the 20thC in my mind.

RIP

[JEGG]

I just found Ben's post today. I generally follow all things art related, and read the NYT but I missed this, due to being away at a music convention (ironically...) and being in the wrong spot during one of the year's major winter storms.

She was a real force in the arts community, and her influence has been felt over several generations of artists. She shaped American culture in the 20th century. Compared to Europe, Canada, and the rest of the developed world (and a great deal of the undeveloped world), the United States is singular in its lack of leadership, support, and appreciation of the arts. Her support was of governmental proportions, not only because of the amount or her financial support, but because of of her nurture of artists and organizations, and her incredible example of normalizing support and appreciation of art and culture.

She is a monumental loss.

[Cosmic Closet]

fifthcircle,

Thank you for posting this. I had never heard of her, but just reading the links told me she was someone real with a lasting influence on music and arts.

Especially in the world of modern classical, she must have been just the angel they were looking for, given how difficult it is to get it played or sold.
She had the right instincts and the right heart (and the money to make it happen.)

R.I.P