CHENOWETH, Vida

Vida Chenoweth was an American marimbist, composer, ethnomusicologist, and linguist, born on 18 October 1928 in Enid, Oklahoma. She became one of the leading pioneers of the concert marimba, helping establish it as a serious solo classical instrument. She studied at Northwestern University and the American Conservatory of Music, and later earned a PhD in ethnomusicology from the University of Auckland. Vida Chenoweth
Chenoweth also composed and arranged extensively for marimba. Her works include Lament, Invention No. 1, Invention No. 2, Invention for Marimba and Cello, Pinocchio, Social Dances and Chopi Style. Later in her career she became an important ethnomusicologist, especially through her research on the music of Papua New Guinea.