Betty Freeman

Betty Freeman ( born June 3, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois, † January 4, 2009 in Los Angeles, California ) was an American photographer, who for decades was active as an art patron.

Life

Freeman grew up as the daughter of a Russian immigrant in Brooklyn. She graduated in 1942 from Wellesley College in literature and music. She had trained as a concert pianist, but changed mid-1960s into the music and event management. Since that time she also worked as a patron and supported composers at the beginning of her career. The promoted by her musicians included, among others, John Cage, La Monte Young, Philip Glass, Harry Partch, Steve Reich and Harrison Birtwistle. Many of these musicians dedicated their subsequently their works, among other things named after her Freeman Etudes by John Cage. From 1972, she started with portrait photography composers. 2005 turned Paul Fenkart a documentary about her life.

"I do not know many people whose work would have been more profound impact on our art and culture in general "