May 27

Born in 1584 in Erfurt, he studied theology and served as a pastor and court chaplain. His compositions include motets, chorale settings, and devotional songs that combine expressive melody with theological depth. Altenburg published several collections of sacred music that were widely performed in central Germany. He endured the hardships of the Thirty Years’ War, yet continued to create music that offered spiritual solace. His works influenced later composers and remain part of the German Protestant musical tradition. He died in 1640 after a lifetime of service to church and music.

Margrethe Munthe gained fame in Norway for her catchy and pedagogical songs aimed at children, many of which remain popular to this day. Born into a culturally influential family, she studied music and poetry, blending folklore with moral lessons in her work. Munthe published songbooks and wrote theatrical pieces for school performances, promoting national identity. Her compositions became staples in Norwegian education and family gatherings. She also wrote short stories and plays that reflected everyday life and values. Munthe’s legacy endures through schools and families that continue to sing her songs.

Georges Rouault was born in Paris in 1871 and studied under Gustave Moreau at the École des Beaux-Arts. He developed a unique style characterized by heavy outlines and vibrant colors, drawing inspiration from Fauvism and Expressionism. Religious and humanist subjects recur throughout his career, evident in works like 'Christ Mocked'. Rouault also excelled in printmaking, creating etchings that explored themes of suffering and redemption. His art influenced both modern painting and sacred art, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century aesthetics.

Anna Cervin was born in 1878 and emerged as a painter during a vibrant period of artistic experimentation in Sweden. Her work explored both figurative and abstract themes, blending traditional techniques with modernist influences. Cervin exhibited at Scandinavian art salons and contributed to cultural dialogues through her teaching and public lectures. While much of her biography remains underdocumented, her paintings reflect a deep engagement with color, form, and the natural world, marking her as a noteworthy figure in Swedish art history.

Jessie Arms Botke was born in 1883 in Chicago and studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. She became known for her stylized portrayals of birds, especially cranes and herons, often set against luxurious gold leaf backgrounds. Botke exhibited widely and contributed illustrations to magazines such as 'The Delineator'. Her work blends realism with Art Deco aesthetics, making her paintings both decorative and evocative. Today, her pieces are held in museum collections and continue to inspire decorative artists and collectors alike.

Max Brod was born in Prague and became a central figure in early 20th-century literature and music. He was a lifelong friend and biographer of Franz Kafka, preserving Kafka's manuscripts against the author's wishes. As a journalist and critic, he supported avant-garde movements and wrote novels, plays, and essays. An accomplished composer, he set many German and Hebrew texts to music for choir and piano. In 1939, he emigrated to Mandatory Palestine, where he continued to write and direct theaters. His efforts ensured Kafka's works became world-renowned classics.

Born in Paris, Louis Durey studied music under Vincent d'Indy before emerging as a key member of the avant-garde group Les Six in the 1920s. His compositions include chamber works, piano pieces, songs, and choral music characterized by clarity and wit. Politically engaged, he wrote vocal music reflecting his pacifist and socialist beliefs during turbulent times. Though overshadowed by his peers, his works have experienced renewed interest for their inventive harmonies and textures. He spent much of his career teaching and composing in Paris, leaving a legacy of understated yet influential music.

Claude Champagne was born in Montreal and studied violin and piano before becoming a leading Canadian composer and educator. He taught at the Conservatoire national de musique and the University of Montreal, mentoring the next generation of composers. His works blend French Romanticism with Canadian folk themes, evoking landscapes and cultural heritage. Notable compositions include his "Symphonie canadienne" and various chamber music pieces for strings and piano. His commitment to music education and composition earned him the title of pioneer in Quebec's classical tradition.

Dolores Hope was an American singer whose performances alongside her husband, comedian Bob Hope, entertained millions during USO tours in World War II and beyond. She appeared on radio, television, and in nightclubs, showcasing her versatile voice and grace. Beyond her entertainment career, she and Bob Hope founded the Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation, supporting medical research, education, and the arts. Dolores was honored for her charitable work with awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She maintained an active philanthropic and social calendar well into her later years. Living to 102, her life blended artistic talent with a deep commitment to humanitarian causes.

Born in 1915 in Santiago, Chile, Ester Soré became one of her country's most beloved folk singers. She gained fame for her soulful interpretations of cuecas and tonadas, traditional Chilean musical forms. Soré recorded numerous hits, bringing Chilean folklore to international audiences. Her career spanned radio, recordings, and live performances across Latin America. She was honored with national awards for her cultural contributions. Soré's voice and repertoire remain influential in Chile's musical heritage. She passed away in 1996, leaving a lasting legacy in Chilean folk music.

Born in Melbourne, Australia, Bob Godfrey moved to England in the 1940s to pursue a career in animation. He founded Bob Godfrey Productions and directed a variety of animated series and commercials. In 1976, he won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film with 'Great', a humorous biography of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Godfrey was renowned for his sharp wit, experimental techniques, and willingness to push the boundaries of animation. He provided distinctive voices for many of his characters, showcasing his talents as a voice actor. His work influenced a generation of animators and brought a playful, irreverent style to British animation. He passed away in 2013, leaving a legacy of creativity and innovation in the field.

Thea Musgrave is a celebrated composer whose career has spanned over six decades. She has written acclaimed works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, opera, and solo instruments. Musgrave held academic posts at institutions such as Oxford University and the Juilliard School, shaping generations of musicians. Her music is noted for its dramatic narrative and inventive orchestration. She has received numerous awards and commissions from leading orchestras around the world.