October 28

Born in Bohemia in 1693, Šimon Brixi became a leading figure in Czech baroque music. He composed numerous masses, motets, and offertories that enriched the liturgical tradition of Prague. Serving as choirmaster in prominent Bohemian churches, he influenced generations of musicians. His style blended Italian baroque flair with local musical customs. Father of the noted composer František Xaver Brixi, his legacy continued through his son’s prolific career. Brixi’s works remain celebrated by early music ensembles today.

Franz Ignaz von Beecke, born in 1733 near Asch in Bavaria, emerged as a prominent composer of the classical era. Serving at the court of the Elector of Bavaria, he crafted symphonies, piano sonatas, and chamber works that bridged baroque traditions with emerging classical styles. His music was admired for its elegance, expressive melodies, and skilled orchestration. Beecke’s works were performed across European salons and courts. Although overshadowed by contemporaries, his compositions are now rediscovered by early music ensembles, revealing a talented voice of his age.

Juliette Béliveau was a Canadian actress and singer active in Quebec. She gained recognition in the early 20th century for her captivating stage performances and musical recordings. She emerged as one of the first French-language radio stars in Canada, delighting audiences with her rich vocal talent. Béliveau appeared in several films, showcasing her versatility and dramatic flair. With a career that lasted over five decades, she helped shape the entertainment industry in Quebec. Remembered as a trailblazer, she inspired generations of Canadian artists.

Dink Johnson was an American jazz musician known for his versatile skills on piano, drums, and clarinet. He became active in the vibrant New Orleans jazz scene before leading ensembles in Chicago and Los Angeles. Johnson’s stride piano style and clarinet solos were featured on numerous recordings in the 1920s and 1930s. His adaptability allowed him to collaborate with many jazz luminaries of his era. Although he never achieved widespread fame, his contributions enriched the development of traditional jazz. Johnson continued performing and recording until his death in 1954, leaving a lasting legacy in American music.

Howard Hanson was a prominent American composer and conductor celebrated for his romantic orchestral style. He served as director of the Eastman School of Music from 1924 to 1964, shaping generations of musicians. Hanson’s Symphony No. 2, the Romantic, remains his most performed work, admired for its rich melodies and emotional depth. Under his leadership, the Eastman School gained international acclaim and founded the Eastman-Rochester Orchestra. He championed American composers through festivals, recordings, and the promotion of new works. Hanson received the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1944 and a National Medal of Arts. His influence endures through his compositions and dedication to music education.

Edith Head was an American costume designer whose career spanned nearly fifty years in Hollywood. She won eight Academy Awards for Best Costume Design, more than any other person in history. Working with stars like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, Head created some of film’s most memorable and elegant looks. Her designs combined character insight with meticulous attention to detail, influencing fashion beyond the screen. As Paramount Pictures’ chief designer, she set industry standards and mentored young artists. Head’s signature style remains a benchmark in costume design, and her legacy endures in the wardrobes of cinema’s greatest icons.

Elsa Lanchester was an English-American actress and singer known for her striking performances in film, theater, and music. She achieved lasting fame for her portrayal of the Bride of Frankenstein in the 1935 classic horror film. Lanchester trained in Shakespearean theater before transitioning to Hollywood, where she showcased her comedic and dramatic talents. As a vocalist, she performed cabaret and musical numbers that highlighted her versatility. Over a career spanning more than five decades, she appeared in comedies, dramas, and musicals alike. Lanchester’s marriage to actor Charles Laughton formed one of the era’s most creative partnerships. Her unique presence and artistry left a permanent mark on both British and American entertainment.

Francis Bacon was an Irish-born painter who achieved international acclaim for his emotionally charged and often disturbing imagery. Born in 1909, he moved to London where he developed his distinctive style, depicting distorted human forms that conveyed existential angst. His famous triptychs, such as 'Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion', broke new ground in postwar art. Bacon drew inspiration from photography and Surrealism, using bold colors and dynamic composition. Over his career, he held major exhibitions worldwide and influenced generations of artists. He died in 1992, leaving a profound impact on modern art.

Jack Soo began his career as a nightclub singer before transitioning to acting on stage and screen. He showcased his vocal abilities alongside his acting talents in various musical and dramatic productions. As one of the few prominent Asian-American entertainers of his time, he broke new ground in mid-20th century entertainment. Soo appeared in numerous television series and guest roles, earning praise for his warmth and charisma. His ability to blend singing and acting made him a versatile and sought-after performer. He passed away in 1979, leaving a legacy as a multifaceted artist.

Gershon Kingsley began his musical journey as a pianist and conductor before exploring the possibilities of electronic sound. In the late 1960s, he founded the First Moog Quartet and brought the Moog synthesizer to the forefront of popular music. His 1969 composition “Popcorn” became one of the first electronic hit singles, influencing generations of musicians. Kingsley composed extensively for film, television, and theater, blending classical training with avant-garde experimentation. Over a career that spanned more than six decades, he remained committed to innovation in music. He passed away in 2019, leaving a groundbreaking legacy in electronic composition.

Born in Nassau, Bahamas, in 1925, Ian Hamilton Finlay later settled in Scotland and emerged as a pioneering voice in Concrete Poetry. His work blurred the boundaries between text and form, placing words in sculptural contexts and natural landscapes. He founded the Wild Hawthorn Press to publish his writings and collaborated with visual artists to create striking public installations. Finlay's most famous project, the garden Little Sparta in the Pentland Hills, showcases his belief in the interplay of poetry, art, and nature. Over his career, he published dozens of volumes of poetry and produced sculptures and engravings that reflected his wit and classical interests. His contributions influenced generations of artists and poets, redefining the relationship between literature and environment. He received numerous awards, leaving behind a legacy of innovative interdisciplinary art upon his death in 2006.

Cleo Laine was born in 1927 in Southall, England, and developed a passion for singing jazz standards. She rose to prominence in the 1950s alongside her husband, composer John Dankworth, blending scat singing with classical and jazz influences. Laine has recorded over 30 albums, earning multiple Grammy nominations and becoming the first woman to receive a damehood for jazz. Her acting credits include performances in film, television, and West End productions, demonstrating her versatility as a performer. Known for her wide vocal range and improvisational skill, she toured internationally and captivated audiences with her dynamic stage presence. Laine continues to influence generations of singers, leaving a lasting legacy in both music and theatre.