September 21

Barbara Longhi was an Italian painter active during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. She specialized in small-scale devotional paintings, depicting the Virgin Mary and saints with delicate expressiveness. Daughter of celebrated painter Luca Longhi, she inherited a refined style characterized by gentle colors and serene compositions. Longhi maintained a successful workshop in Ravenna, attracting commissions from religious institutions and private patrons. Her works are distinguished by their intimate mood and meticulous attention to detail. Though often overshadowed by her male contemporaries, her oeuvre demonstrates a unique female perspective in Renaissance art. Barbara Longhi's paintings remain prized examples of the Mannerist period's devotional imagery.

Lodovico Cardi, known as Cigoli, was a leading figure of the late Italian Renaissance and early Baroque. Born in 1559 in Tuscany, he trained under local masters before moving to Rome, where he became a favorite of the Medici court. Cigoli's paintings are celebrated for their dramatic lighting and emotional intensity, anticipating Baroque sensibilities. He also contributed to architecture, designing villas and chapels in Florence and beyond. His frescoes in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Uffizi Gallery display his skill in narrative storytelling. Cigoli maintained close ties with the scientific community and illustrated works on astronomy for Galileo. His legacy bridges the transition from Renaissance harmony to Baroque dynamism. He died in 1613, leaving a diverse artistic portfolio that influenced generations of Italian artists.

Papa Jack Laine was a seminal figure in early jazz born in 1873 in New Orleans. As a drummer and bandleader, he formed the Excelsior Brass Band (later Reliance) that blended African American, Creole, and European musical traditions. Laine recruited young musicians of diverse backgrounds, many of whom became jazz legends, including Johnny Stein and George Baquet. His bands popularized the brass band style that laid the foundation for New Orleans jazz and ragtime. Over a career spanning more than 50 years, he influenced the development of jazz rhythms, ensemble playing, and public performances. Laine passed away in 1966, remembered as a key architect of America's original art form.

Gustav Holst was a pioneering English composer and teacher born in 1874. He studied at the Royal College of Music and became known for his eclectic blend of English folk melodies, Hindu texts, and mysticism. In 1918, he premiered 'The Planets', an orchestral suite that remains one of the most popular works in the repertoire. Holst balanced composition with teaching positions at St Paul's Girls' School and Morley College, inspiring generations of musicians. His other notable works include 'Savitri', the 'Brook Green Suite', and choral music such as 'Hymn of Jesus'. Holst's innovative spirit and dedication to education left a lasting legacy in both concert halls and classrooms.

Hans Hartung was a German-French painter celebrated for his abstract works. Born in Leipzig, he studied at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts before moving to France. His style evolved into Tachisme, characterized by spontaneous brushstrokes and gestural marks. During World War II, he served in the French army and later became a French citizen. In 1960, he was awarded the Grand Prix at the Venice Biennale for painting. Hartung's pioneering techniques influenced post-war European art until his death in 1989.

Meinrad Schütter was a Swiss composer celebrated for his orchestral and choral compositions. Born in Glarus, he studied under prominent Swiss musicians and composers. His musical style blended neo-classical traditions with contemporary harmonic language. Schütter composed film scores, chamber music, and works for solo instruments throughout his career. He taught composition at Swiss conservatories, influencing a generation of young composers. His works remain an important part of Switzerland's musical repertoire after his death in 2006.

Charles Martin 'Chuck' Jones was an American animator, director, and screenwriter renowned for his work with Warner Bros. Born in Spokane, Washington, he joined the studio's animation department in the 1930s. Jones created and directed beloved characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and the Road Runner. His distinctive comedic timing and visual gags defined the Golden Age of American animation. He won multiple Academy Awards for his animated short films. In later years, he founded his own production company and continued creating animations until his death in 2002.

György Sándor was a Hungarian-American pianist and composer admired for his profound interpretations of Béla Bartók. Born in Budapest, he studied at the Franz Liszt Academy under Bartók himself. His close association with Bartók informed his understanding of modern piano repertoire. Sándor performed internationally and made influential recordings of contemporary works. He served on the faculties of the University of Michigan and Yale School of Music, shaping future generations of pianists. His pedagogical and performance legacy endures following his death in 2005.

Herman Fowlkes Jr. was a prominent jazz trumpeter, composer, and educator who played a key role in Chicago's jazz community. Born in Missouri, he moved to Chicago and performed with legends like Sun Ra and artists of the AACM. He taught at high schools and led youth music programs, mentoring countless young musicians. His recordings showcased a lyrical trumpet style and inventive compositions. Fowlkes co-founded the Black Ensemble Theater Orchestra, blending jazz with theatrical performance. He remained dedicated to education and community outreach until his death in 1993.

Fred Hunt was a Welsh-born jazz pianist whose lyrical style and melodic improvisations earned acclaim in the British jazz scene. He rose to prominence performing with the Victor Feldman Trio and worked alongside Ronnie Scott and John Dankworth. Hunt's recordings showcased his elegant technique and deep swing feel, influencing post-war jazz pianists. Beyond performing, he taught at the Royal Academy of Music, mentoring a new generation of musicians. He remained an active performer into the 1980s, appearing at festivals and club dates across Europe. His legacy endures through his recordings and the many students he inspired.

Edgar Valter was born in Tallinn and became a central figure in Estonian children's literature. He wrote and illustrated dozens of books, combining whimsical stories with vibrant, detailed illustrations. Valter's work often featured elements of fantasy and folklore, captivating young readers across generations. His illustrations were exhibited in galleries and influenced a generation of Estonian artists. Valter's creative vision earned him national honors and secured his place as a beloved cultural icon.

Don Preston (born 1932) is an American keyboard player and composer celebrated for his innovative contributions to jazz and rock music. He was a founding member of Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention, where his avant-garde synthesizer work helped shape the band's experimental sound. Preston has collaborated with a diverse range of artists across genres and explored electronic music, improvisation, and film scoring. He has released several solo albums showcasing his virtuosic technique and boundary-pushing compositions. A pioneer in blending acoustic and electronic textures, Preston continues to perform, record, and influence generations of musicians.