Neil Ratliff (1936-1994) was Head of the University of Maryland Music Library and the International Piano Archives at Maryland (IPAM) from 1980 to 1994. During that time his signature accomplishment was to increase IPAM's collections many times over, engaging a host of friends in its unique mission. Before Maryland, Neil was at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center for 17 years. During his distinguished career he served the Music Library Association in numerous capacities, and was Secretary-General of the International Association of Music Libraries (1983-1987); he also lectured in music librarianship at The Catholic University of America (1983-1992). A noted expert on modern Greek music, and popular performer as well, Neil was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in 1994 to establish a music library in the Athens Concert Hall, but his final illness prevented him from pursuing that project.

The Neil Ratliff Fund honors the memory of Neil's professional leadership and personal magnetism on behalf of IPAM, and celebrates the completion of IPAM's 25th year at the University. Neil envisioned IPAM as a vast, intriguing historical panorama of pianism. He charted its course to become a significant musical heritage, readily accessible to pianists, scholars, and music lovers everywhere.

Now, we need you to 'be a player' in IPAM's future. Through the Neil Ratliff Fund, you can celebrate IPAM's phenomenal growth over its first 25 years at Maryland and create a living legacy for its future. Income from the endowment will enable IPAM to enhance services, to improve access to collections, and to use evolving technology in the documentation and preservation of piano performance.

Click Here To Donate to The Neil Ratliff Fund