January 16

Born in the Southern Netherlands, Achtschellinck became a leading landscape painter of the Brussels school. He trained under landscape masters and developed a naturalistic style that blended Flemish tradition with Italianate influences. His works adorned churches and palaces, showcasing wooded scenes and pastoral settings. As an educator, he taught numerous pupils who continued the Baroque landscape tradition. His paintings are held in museums such as the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium. Achtschellinck's artistry contributed significantly to the development of landscape painting in the 17th century.

Born in 1691 in Antwerp, he trained under Flemish sculptural masters before moving to London in 1720. Scheemakers collaborated with leading artists like Roubiliac and became renowned for his refined marble sculptures. His most famous work is the Shakespeare monument in Westminster Abbey, completed in 1740. He produced portrait busts of British nobility and funerary monuments that blended Baroque dynamism with classical restraint. Returning to Antwerp later in life, he continued to influence European sculpture through his teaching. Scheemakers died in 1781, leaving a legacy in Neo-classical art.

Born in 1728 in Bari, Piccinni studied composition at the conservatory in Naples. He composed over 80 operas, gaining fame for his melodic grace and dramatic sensibility. Invited to Paris by Queen Marie Antoinette, he became a central figure in the "Querelle des Bouffons" against Gluck's reforms. Piccinni's works helped popularize opera buffa and influenced the development of French opera comique. After returning to Italy, he continued composing sacred music and mentored young musicians. He died in 1800, remembered as a key bridge between Italian and French operatic traditions.

Born in 1872, Henri Büsser studied at the Paris Conservatoire before becoming a noted organist and composer. He gained acclaim for his operas, orchestral works, and sacred music, performed across Europe. As a conductor, he led prestigious ensembles including the Concerts Colonne and the Opéra de Paris. From 1921 to 1962, he taught harmony and accompaniment at the Conservatoire, mentoring generations of French musicians. His elegant compositions and dedication to music education earned him lasting recognition in the classical world.

Daisy Kennedy was an Australian-English violinist celebrated for her elegant performances across Europe and Australia. Born in Melbourne, she studied at the Royal College of Music in London, where she won several prestigious awards. Her interpretations of classical and contemporary repertoire earned her acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Kennedy toured extensively, performing in major concert halls and collaborating with leading orchestras. In addition to her performing career, she was a dedicated teacher, influencing the next generation of violinists.

Irving Mills was an American music publisher, songwriter, and promoter who helped shape the Jazz Age. He founded the Irving Mills Music firm, managing artists like Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway. Mills co-wrote songs and produced recordings that brought jazz to mainstream audiences worldwide. His innovative marketing strategies and recording deals expanded the reach of African American musicians. By bridging the worlds of music and business, he left an enduring impact on the entertainment industry.

Born in Madrid in 1905, Halffter was the younger brother of composer Rodolfo Halffter. He studied under Manuel de Falla and joined the cultural circle known as the Generation of '27. Halffter composed ballets, orchestral works, and choral pieces blending neoclassical forms with Spanish folk elements. His notable compositions include 'Homenaje a Manuel de Falla' and the 'Sinfonietta'. He served as a conductor and advocated for contemporary Spanish music. Halffter received Spain's National Music Prize in 1968 and continued composing until his death in 1989.

Roger Wagner (1914–1992) was a distinguished French-American conductor and educator revered for his contributions to choral music. He founded the Roger Wagner Chorale in 1946, which gained international acclaim for its precision and musicality. Wagner served as music director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale and taught at the University of Southern California. He championed both sacred and secular repertoire, recording extensively for RCA Victor and winning multiple Grammy nominations. Wagner’s mentorship shaped a generation of choral conductors and ensembles. His legacy endures in the continued prominence of choral tradition in American music.

Born in 1918, Allan Ekelund became a prominent figure in the Swedish film industry. He worked closely with acclaimed directors, overseeing the production of numerous influential films and documentaries. Ekelund’s expertise in coordinating resources and creative teams helped bring many cinematic visions to life during the mid-20th century. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to solve complex production challenges. His contributions remain a vital part of Sweden’s rich filmmaking heritage. Ekelund passed away in 2009, leaving behind a distinguished filmography.

Born in 1921 in New York City, Francesco Scavullo became a leading fashion photographer, capturing images for Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and other top publications. He developed a distinctive style that combined glamour with emotional depth, working with celebrities and supermodels like Janis Joplin and Cher. Scavullo’s innovative use of lighting and composition influenced the aesthetic of fashion photography in the 1960s and 1970s. Beyond editorial work, he photographed portraits of public figures across entertainment and politics. His career spanned over five decades, shaping visual culture in fashion and beyond. Scavullo passed away in 2004, leaving a legacy of stunning imagery.

Born in Zaragoza in 1928, Pilar Lorengar studied at the Madrid Royal Conservatory before making her professional debut in Barcelona. She joined the Hamburg State Opera in 1956, where she became known for roles such as Mimì in La Bohème and Violetta in La Traviata. Lorengar performed at leading opera houses worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera and Covent Garden. In addition to her stage career, she appeared in Spanish films and later shared her expertise through masterclasses. Her recordings are celebrated for their clarity, warmth, and expressive nuance. Honored with Spain’s Medal of Fine Arts and Germany’s Order of Merit, Lorengar left an enduring mark on the operatic world.

Bob Bogle was an American musician celebrated for his role in creating The Ventures, one of the most influential surf rock bands of the 1960s. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he played guitar on the band's breakthrough hit 'Walk, Don't Run' in 1960. Bogle later switched to bass, helping to define The Ventures' signature instrumental sound. The band enjoyed global success with songs like the 'Hawaii Five-O' theme and inspired countless guitarists worldwide. Bogle's inventive playing style and stage presence made him a rock icon. He remained with The Ventures for over four decades, recording and touring extensively. He passed away in 2009, but his musical legacy endures.