Fine, Vivian (1913–2000)

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Fine, Vivian (1913–2000)

American composer. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Sept 28, 1913; died Mar 20, 2000; dau. of Rose (Finder) Fine and David Fine (both Russian-Jewish immigrants); studied with Djane Lavoie-Herz, Abby Whiteside, Ruth Crawford, and Roger Sessions; m. Benjamin Karp, 1935; children: Margaret (Peggy) Karp; Nina Karp.

Began career as an accompanist for dancers and then composed for ballet; wrote dance scores for Martha Graham, Hanya Holm, and Charles Weidman; wrote 1st large ballet, The Race of Life, for Doris Humphrey (1937); served as musical director of the Bethsabee de Rothschild Foundation (1955–61); commissioned by Graham to write Alcestis (1960); in addition to works for ballet and dance, composed many pieces for orchestra, chamber and choral groups. Received American Academy-National Institute of Arts and Letters Award (1979).