Composer and Musical Director Ian Fraser, Who Worked With Julie Andrews, Dies at 81

The Hollywood Reporter writes that Ian Fraser, renowned music director, composer and conductor for television and Broadway, known for his work with Julie Andrews, died of cancer today, October 31, 2014. He was 81.

Fraser, who received 11 Emmy Awards (with 32 nominations) for music direction throughout his career, worked with Andrews as the vocal arranger for her ABC variety show in 1972 and went on to become her musical director for two Christmas albums. He also conducted VICTOR/VICTORIA on Broadway in 1995.

Fraser performed music for Andrews's 2003 children's book SIMEON'S GIFT and later composed songs for the stage adaptation with lyricist John Bucchino.

He also acted as musical director and arranger for both the West End and Broadway productions of STOP THE WORLD, I WANT TO GET OFF in 1962, as well as 1989's SHERLOCK HOLMES in London, and Broadway's SAY HELLO TO HARVEY (1981), SAMMY STOPS THE WORLD (1978), PICKWICK (1965)and CHAPLIN (1983).

Fraser was nominated for an Oscar for the musical film SCROOGE with Albert Finney in 1970. He also conducted the 1984 Academy Awards orchestra and musical directed THE EMMY AWARDS in 1984, 1993 and 2002. Fraser received his first Emmy Award for AMERICA SALUTES RICHARD RODGERS: THE SOUND OF HIS MUSIC in 1977.

He is survived by his wife, actress Judee Morton, and their son Neal, who is a successful chef.

Pictured: The cast of SIMEON'S GIFT - Emma Walton Hamiton, Julie Andrews, John Buccchino, Ian Fraser and Marcia Milgrom Dodge. Photo by Barry Gordin.