Aniela Rubinstein, 93; Widow of Famed Pianist

Aniela Mlynarski Rubinstein, 93, the widow of pianist Arthur Rubinstein and a charity fund-raiser known as a talented hostess, died Dec. 31 at her home in Manhattan of causes associated with aging.

As co-founder and frequent chairwoman, she developed the Polonaise Ball into a successful fund-raiser for relief programs for Polish refugees. She also supported other Polish charitable organizations and aided such arts programs as the Four Stars recital series in Paris and the Rubinstein piano competition in Israel.

Born in Vilnius, Lithuania, she was the daughter of Emil Mlynarski, founding conductor of the Warsaw Philharmonic and director of the Warsaw Opera. Her father introduced her to Rubinstein backstage after a concert.

“Nela,” as she was known, studied dance in Dresden. A linguist and artistically knowledgeable, she became a renowned hostess during her 50-year marriage to the pianist at homes they maintained in Paris, briefly in Hollywood, and in New York and Spain.