Ex-Music Center Official Dies

Michael Newton, the first president of the Music Center’s Performing Arts Council, whose seven-year tenure saw the center’s Unified Fund grow from an annual goal of $3.4 million to $9.5 million, died early today at his Hollywood home. He was 53 and had cancer.

Born in England, Newton took the Los Angeles position in 1979 after heading the New York-based American Council for the Arts. He had also served as a consultant to arts councils in 22 states. He resigned earlier this year because of his health.