Alice Rainer

Alice Rainer, known with her twin sister, Clarice, as The Rainer Twins, died Sun., Feb. 26, 2017. They were born on Aug. 28, 1932, in Opp, to the late Robert Samuel and Mattie Lea Cobb Rainer.

They graduated from Opp High School in 1950. They earned their music degrees at the University of Montevallo School of Music where their piano teacher was M. Ziolkowski who was a student of Padereski, the world famous composer and pianist. They continued their private piano studies at the Aspen Music School in Colorado and further studied privately by invitation with the renowned duo-pianists Vronsky and Babin.

They made their professional debut in New York City in December 1961 and from that time on began enjoying immense popularity as concert piano duettists. They have toured extensively playing virtually coast to coast, and have been praised for their “dedicated musicianship and artistic integrity,” “truly fine artistry,” “their great personal charm,” and “excellent rapport with their audiences.” The Washington Evening Star acclaimed them “visually and audially delightful.” They are also known through publication of their articles in national music magazines.

Between 1966 and 1993, they resided in Winston-Salem, N.C., where they divided their time between concert touring, teaching, and arranging much of their own concert music.

In 1993 they returned to their hometown of Opp, where they semi-retired, continued to enjoy travelling, and continued to enjoy and love life to its fullest.

In addition to her parents, Alice was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and William A. “Doc” Sellars; and their five precious toy poodles. She is survived by her twin sister, Clarice Rainer; two nephews, Bill Sellars (wife Anne) and their children, Rachel and Ethan of Charlotte, N.C.; and Lee Sellars of New York City. Other survivors include her beloved friend of 40 years, Eddie Peatross of Winston-Salem, and dear friends Roger McLain and family of Opp.

At the request of the twins, no service will be held.