June 28

Born in 1547, Malvezzi became a leading musician at the Florence Cathedral. He composed sacred motets, madrigals, and instrumental works for organ. His style blended traditional Renaissance polyphony with emerging Baroque elements. He collaborated with prominent poets and members of the Medici court. His music was published in several influential anthologies of the time. He died in 1599, remembered for his contributions to the evolution of early Baroque music.

Born in 1577 in Siegen, then part of the Spanish Netherlands. He studied art in Italy, absorbing Renaissance and classical influences. Settling in Antwerp, he became a leading figure of the Baroque movement with grand altarpieces and mythological scenes. His large workshop produced works for courts across Europe, spreading his style widely. Rubens also served as a diplomat, negotiating treaties on behalf of the Spanish Netherlands. His fusion of artistic mastery and political skill made him one of the most celebrated figures of his age.

Born in 1604 in Durlach, in the Margraviate of Baden. Trained in theology and languages at the University of Giessen before turning to music. He served as court secretary and later chamber musician to Duke Albert Frederick of Prussia in Königsberg. Albert published a series of songbooks titled "Arien und Kantaten" combining Italianate musical style with German texts. His works were influential in the development of German Baroque secular music and song traditions. An accomplished poet as well, he often wrote his own lyrics to accompany his compositions. He died in 1651, leaving a body of work still studied for its lyrical beauty and historical importance.

Born in 1734 in Paris into a family of musicians; his father was an organist to the king. He held positions at several French cathedrals, including Strasbourg and Nancy. Beauvarlet-Charpentier published numerous collections of organ preludes, fugues, and motets. His music blends the ornamentation of the Baroque with emerging Classical clarity. He was an active performer, known for lively salon concerts that showcased his improvisational skill. Surviving works include "Pièces pour l’orgue" and various grand motets for liturgical use. He died in 1794, leaving a reputation as one of the finest French organ composers of his time.

Joseph Joachim was a leading Austrian violinist who achieved international fame for his technical prowess and musical expressiveness. He collaborated closely with composers such as Johannes Brahms and Robert Schumann, premiering many of their violin works. Joachim also composed violin pieces and served as conductor of orchestras in Hanover and Berlin. His dedication to chamber music led to the formation of influential ensembles and performances across Europe. Joachim's artistry and advocacy helped elevate the violin concerto and chamber repertoire during the Romantic era.

Born in 1888 in Budapest, Geyer studied under renowned violin teacher Jenő Hubay. She premiered Béla Bartók's Violin Concerto No. 1 and inspired several compositions. Geyer's concert career took her across Europe, where she earned acclaim for her expressive playing. Later, she devoted herself to teaching at conservatories, nurturing the next generation of violinists. She remained a central figure in early 20th-century musical life until her death in 1956.

Born in 1893 in Koziczyn, Zamoyski studied art in Warsaw before moving to Paris. He embraced cubist and constructivist influences, creating abstract and stylized sculptures. Zamoyski exhibited his work at major Paris salons and collaborated with leading artists of his time. His sculptures can be found in public spaces and museum collections across Poland and France. He remained an influential figure in 20th-century modern art until his death in 1970.

Jessie Baetz (born 1894) was a Canadian-American artist, composer, and pianist who seamlessly combined visual and musical forms. Trained in both painting and piano performance, she developed a unique creative voice that resonated in her evocative artworks and musical pieces. Her piano recitals were praised for their emotional depth and technical precision. As a composer, Baetz crafted original works that reflected early 20th-century artistic trends. Though details of her later life remain scarce, her legacy continues to intrigue scholars of art and music.

Richard Rodgers (1902–1979) was one of the most influential figures in American musical theatre. Collaborating with lyricists Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II, he created enduring classics such as Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, and South Pacific. Rodgers’s melodies were renowned for their warmth, sophistication, and emotional resonance. He won multiple Academy Awards, Tony Awards, and a Pulitzer Prize, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer of the Broadway stage. His work continues to be performed in theaters worldwide, inspiring new generations of audiences and artists.

Jimmy Mundy (1907–1983) was a prominent figure in American jazz during the 1930s and 1940s. As a saxophonist, he performed with leading orchestras, and as a composer and arranger, he crafted memorable charts for bands led by Benny Goodman, Count Basie, and Earl Hines. Mundy’s arrangements were praised for their sophistication and rhythmic vitality, helping define the sound of the swing era. His original compositions and big band works remain influential among jazz musicians and historians. Mundy’s legacy endures in the classic recordings that continue to captivate jazz enthusiasts.

George Lloyd (1913–1998) served with distinction as an officer in the Royal Marines during World War II, earning the Distinguished Service Cross for bravery. After the war, he dedicated himself to composition, creating symphonies, concertos, and chamber works inspired by the Romantic tradition. His music, characterized by lush orchestration and memorable melodies, experienced a resurgence of interest in the late 20th century. Lloyd also taught and mentored young musicians, contributing to the British classical music resurgence. His dual legacy as a war hero and composer continues to inspire.

Born in 1923 in Mishawaka, Indiana, Pete Candoli rose to fame as a lead trumpeter for bands led by Woody Herman and Stan Kenton. His distinctive high-register playing and versatility made him a sought-after studio musician in Hollywood. He contributed to numerous film and television soundtracks during the golden age of studio orchestras. Candoli also led his own ensembles and recorded several acclaimed jazz albums. He remained active as a performer and teacher until his death in 2008.