January 03

Henriette Sontag (1806–1854) was a celebrated German operatic soprano renowned for her pure, agile voice and memorable stage presence. A prodigious talent, she made her London debut at age 15 and quickly became one of Europe’s leading sopranos. Sontag excelled in roles by Mozart, Rossini, and Donizetti, earning acclaim at major opera houses in Paris, Vienna, and London. In addition to opera, she appeared in spoken drama, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Her charitable concerts for victims of the 1848 Revolution in Paris highlighted her generosity and compassion. After retiring at an early age, her legacy lived on through the admiration of fellow musicians and audiences.

Raoul Koczalski was a Polish pianist celebrated for his dazzling technique and sensitive interpretations of Chopin's works. A prodigy from Warsaw, he performed across Europe from his teens and earned acclaim as one of the finest pianists of his era. He also composed piano pieces in the Romantic tradition and taught at leading music conservatories. His early recordings offer valuable insight into performance styles of the early 20th century. Koczalski's contributions helped shape the international appreciation of Chopin's repertoire.

August Macke was a German Expressionist painter and a founding member of the Der Blaue Reiter group. His vibrant use of color and simplified forms conveyed emotional depth and modernist ideas. A pivotal trip to Tunisia in 1914 inspired some of his most celebrated works, blending Oriental motifs with European styles. At the age of 27, Macke's promising career was tragically cut short when he was killed in action during World War I. Despite his brief life, his paintings continue to influence artists and are celebrated in museums worldwide.

Victor Borge escaped Nazi-occupied Europe in 1940 and embarked on a legendary career in the United States. He created a unique style of musical comedy, delivering rapid-fire jokes interwoven with virtuosic piano performances. His radio and television specials, including The Victor Borge Show, endeared him to audiences worldwide. Borge's signature bits, like Phonetic Punctuation and Inflationary Language, became cultural touchstones. He toured extensively, performing sold-out concerts well into his eighties and authored memoirs recounting his life and career. Today, he is celebrated as one of the greatest musical humorists in entertainment history.

Born in Boston in 1915, Jack Levine became a leading figure in American social realism. His paintings and lithographs offered biting critiques of political corruption and social inequality. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army’s art unit, creating works that documented the conflict. Levine’s major pieces, such as 'The Feast of Pure Reason', are celebrated for their vivid characters and moral commentary. He exhibited at major museums and continued painting into his 90s, passing away in 2010.

Herbie Nichols was an American jazz pianist and composer renowned for his intricate harmonies and rhythmic complexity. Born in New York City in 1919, he studied classical piano before delving into bebop. Despite limited commercial success during his lifetime, Nichols's compositions, such as 'Lady Sings the Blues' and 'Twelve Bars,' have gained recognition among jazz musicians. His peers admired his ability to blend sophistication with emotional depth. After his death in 1963, his work was championed by jazz artists like Thelonious Monk and Steve Lacy, securing his legacy as a pioneer of modern jazz.

André Franquin was a leading figure in Franco-Belgian comics, revitalizing 'Spirou & Fantasio' with his dynamic art and humor. Born in 1924 in Brussels, he introduced the iconic creature Marsupilami in 1952. Franquin's work combined slapstick comedy with social commentary, influencing generations of cartoonists. He also created series like 'Gaston Lagaffe' and 'Idées Noires,' showcasing his range from lighthearted gags to darker themes. His artistic legacy endures in the comic industry and popular culture.

Nell Rankin was an acclaimed American soprano whose career spanned leading opera houses from the 1950s to 1970s. Born in Kentucky in 1924, she studied at the Eastman School of Music and debuted at the New York City Opera. Rankin's versatile voice excelled in both lyric and dramatic roles, earning praise for performances in 'Carmen' and 'La Traviata.' After retiring from the stage, she taught voice at institutions such as the University of North Texas. Her knowledge and artistry influenced a generation of singers and secured her reputation as a distinguished educator.

Often called the 'Fifth Beatle,' George Martin produced most of the Beatles' recordings and shaped their groundbreaking sound. He began his career at EMI's Parlophone label and introduced orchestral arrangements into pop music. Over five decades, he produced records for artists such as Jeff Beck, America, and Celine Dion. Martin was also a composer and conductor, scoring film soundtracks including the Beatles' movies. He received multiple Grammy Awards and was appointed CBE in 1996. His innovative studio techniques influenced generations of music producers. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 90.

Born in Rome in 1929, Leone revolutionized the Western with his stylistic approach and epic storytelling. He directed classics such as 'A Fistful of Dollars,' 'For a Few Dollars More,' and 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.' Leone's use of wide-angle shots, close-ups, and Ennio Morricone's iconic scores created a unique cinematic language. He also directed crime dramas like 'Once Upon a Time in the West' and 'Once Upon a Time in America.' Leone's films influenced generations of filmmakers with their bold visuals and moral complexity. He passed away in 1989, leaving a lasting impact on world cinema.

Born in Stuttgart in 1929, Mahle moved to Brazil in 1951 and became a prominent figure in the country's classical music scene. He co-founded the Orquestra Filarmônica de Goiás and served as its conductor for decades. Mahle composed operas, symphonies, concertos, and choral works that integrate Brazilian folk melodies and rhythms. His notable operas include 'O Garatuja' and 'A Moreninha,' praised for their lyrical style and national identity. He has received honors from the Brazilian government and music institutions for his contributions. Mahle continues to compose and mentor young musicians, fostering classical music development in Brazil.

Born in 1930 in Brooklyn, New York, Fabian became famous for his black-and-white fantasy illustrations. His work appeared in magazines like Heavy Metal, Amazing Stories, and on book covers for authors such as H.P. Lovecraft. Fabian's intricate pen-and-ink style blends classic horror motifs with surreal elements. He has published collections of his art, including 'Through Darker Eyes' and 'Secret Fire.' Fabian has received awards from the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists. His influence is seen in contemporary fantasy art, inspiring generations of illustrators. He continues to produce artwork and exhibit his pieces internationally.