March 26

Mary Beale (1633–1699) was a pioneering English portrait painter and one of the first professional female artists in Britain. Renowned for her lively and detailed depictions, she captured the likenesses of prominent figures of her time. Beale managed her own workshop, training apprentices and handling commissions independently. Her autobiography and notes provide rare insights into the life of a female artist in the 17th century. Her work broke barriers for women in the arts, leaving a legacy as a trailblazer in portrait painting.

Domenico Freschi (1634–1710) was an Italian priest and composer of the Baroque era, best known for his liturgical and choral works. Serving as a Catholic cleric, he composed masses, motets, and devotional music for church services. His compositions exhibit the ornate harmonies and counterpoint typical of 17th-century Italian music. Freschi’s music was performed across northern Italy, influencing local sacred music traditions. His dual role as priest and musician highlights the close relationship between the church and the arts during the Baroque period.

Born in Leipzig in 1794, Schnorr von Carolsfeld became a leading figure in the Nazarene group dedicated to reviving early Renaissance art. He studied at the Vienna Academy and co-founded the Lukasbund, emphasizing spiritual purity in painting. His fresco cycles in the Munich Residenz and Schloss Rosenau are celebrated for their clarity and devotional intensity. He produced a renowned set of Bible illustrations that influenced the visual language of religious art in 19th-century Germany. Schnorr’s dedication to historical styles helped shape the German Romantic school and inspired later generations of artists.

Born in Bergen in 1829, Bull studied architecture in Christiania (now Oslo) and Germany. He founded one of Norway’s first private architectural firms, shaping the capital’s urban character. Notable works include Christ Church (Kristkirken) and various railway stations across the country. Bull combined Historicist and Gothic Revival styles, adapting European trends to Norwegian materials and landscapes. He mentored younger architects and helped establish professional architectural organizations in Norway. His buildings are celebrated for structural elegance and thoughtful integration with their surroundings. He died in 1917, leaving a significant mark on Norway’s architectural heritage.

Wilhelm Backhaus (1884-1969) was a German pianist celebrated for his masterful interpretations of the classical repertoire, particularly works by Mozart and Beethoven. A child prodigy, he made his public debut at age 11 and went on to enjoy a distinguished international career. Backhaus was one of the first pianists to produce extensive recordings, helping to popularize classical music worldwide. As a pedagogue, he taught at conservatories and mentored a generation of pianists. His precise technique, deep musical insight, and unwavering artistry won him acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Backhaus's recordings remain benchmarks for students and performers of piano literature.

Born in Chernivtsi in 1894, Viorica Ursuleac studied voice in Vienna and made her operatic debut in 1917, quickly earning acclaim at major European venues including the Vienna State Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. She excelled in leading roles by Richard Strauss and collaborated closely with the composer. Known for her rich tone and dramatic presence, Ursuleac became one of the era’s most celebrated sopranos. After retiring from the stage, she dedicated herself to teaching and mentored a new generation of opera singers. Her recordings and masterclasses continue to inspire performers worldwide. She died in 1985.

Born in 1898, Charles Shadwell became a prominent figure in British light music, leading dance bands and orchestras for BBC radio broadcasts during the 1930s and 1940s. He collaborated with leading vocalists of the era and made numerous recordings that defined the sound of interwar and postwar Britain. Shadwell’s smooth conducting style and innovative arrangements earned him widespread acclaim. In later years, he dedicated himself to teaching and mentoring young musicians. He died in 1979, leaving behind a legacy of musical innovation in broadcast media.

Monty Berman (1905–2006) was an English cinematographer and producer known for his pioneering work in British cinema and early television. He began his career shooting film noir in the 1940s, crafting atmospheric lighting that defined the genre's aesthetic. In the 1950s and 1960s, Berman produced popular TV series like The Adventures of Robin Hood and The Saint. His production company, Tempean Films, specialized in low-budget thrillers that achieved cult status. Berman's collaborations influenced the development of British television drama. His long career spanned over five decades, leaving a lasting imprint on visual storytelling in UK media.

André Cluytens (1905–1967) was a Belgian-born French conductor renowned for his elegant and precise interpretations. He held positions with the Paris Conservatoire Orchestra and the Paris Opera. Cluytens was the first French conductor invited to lead the Bayreuth Festival, championing Wagner's music to French audiences. He recorded extensively, leaving definitive versions of works by Ravel, Debussy, and Beethoven. His musicianship bridged French and Germanic traditions, influencing generations of orchestral conductors. Cluytens' rich legacy endures through his acclaimed recordings and performances.

Rafael Méndez (1906–1981) was a Mexican trumpet virtuoso renowned for his extraordinary technical prowess and improvisational brilliance. He popularized the trumpet as a solo instrument, touring worldwide with his wife Voce and showcasing arrangements blending classical, folk, and Latin genres. Méndez recorded landmark albums that remain trumpet standards due to his dazzling technique and expressive sound. As a composer, he wrote études and arrangements that expanded the instrument's repertoire. He served as principal trumpet of the MGM Studio Orchestra in Hollywood for many years. Méndez's legacy endures as one of the greatest trumpet players of the 20th century.

Rufus Thomas (1917-2001) was a pioneering American R&B artist and dancer who shaped the sound of early soul music. He scored hits such as Walking the Dog and Do the Funky Chicken, showcasing his playful vocals and dance routines. Thomas was a longtime deejay and performer at Memphis’s legendary Stax Records, influencing future soul artists. His charismatic stage presence and rapport with audiences made him a beloved entertainer. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. Thomas’s music and showmanship remain celebrated in R&B and popular culture.

Pierre Boulez was a groundbreaking French composer, conductor, and music theorist. He founded the Domaine musical concerts in Paris, introducing audiences to contemporary works. Boulez led major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, and championed modern repertoire. A pioneer of serialism and electronic music, he pushed the boundaries of sound and form. He received numerous honors, such as the Kennedy Center Honors and the Grawemeyer Award. Boulez’s writings and teachings profoundly influenced generations of musicians and scholars.