November 11

Frans Snyders (1579–1657) was a key figure in the development of Flemish Baroque painting, specializing in vibrant still lifes and lively animal compositions. A close collaborator of Peter Paul Rubens, he brought unmatched realism and energy to depictions of game, fish, and domestic animals. Snyders's detailed textures and dramatic arrangements set a new standard for still-life art in the 17th century. His workshop in Antwerp attracted numerous pupils and commissions from European nobility. Works such as his market scenes and hunting pieces remain prized for their vivid coloration and expert handling of light. Snyders's influence extended across Europe, shaping the genre of animal painting for generations.

Andrea Zani (1696–1757) was an Italian violinist and composer whose chamber works contributed to the early Classical style. Trained in Mantua, he performed across Italy and gained a reputation for his virtuosic violin technique. Zani composed a variety of sonatas and concertos that combined Baroque traditions with emerging galante sensibilities. His publications of violin and cello sonatas were admired by musicians in Milan and Vienna. Though less known today, his music influenced contemporaries and helped shape the transition toward Classical orchestration. Zani's surviving manuscripts offer insights into performance practices of the mid-18th century.

Paul Signac was born in Paris in 1863 and became a leading figure of the Neo-Impressionist movement. Inspired by Georges Seurat, he perfected the pointillist technique, using small dots of color to achieve luminous effects. Signac's vibrant seascapes and harbor scenes, such as 'The Port of Saint-Tropez', showcase his mastery of color theory. Beyond painting, he wrote influential essays on art and mentored younger artists, spreading pointillist ideas across Europe. He served as president of the Société des Artistes Indépendants and organized important exhibitions. Signac continued to innovate until his death in 1935, leaving a lasting impact on modern art.

Édouard Vuillard (1868–1940) was a French painter and printmaker who emerged as a key member of the Nabis avant-garde. His work featured small-scale, richly patterned interior scenes and portraits, blending symbolism with decorative design. He collaborated with theater and textile designers, applying his distinctive style to sets and fabric prints. Vuillard exhibited with the Salon des Indépendants and influenced early modernist movements in France. He later taught at the Académie Ranson and continued to explore color and composition until his death.

Ernest Ansermet (1883–1969) founded the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in 1918 and led it for decades. He was a close associate of composers like Maurice Ravel and Igor Stravinsky, premiering many of their works. Ansermet’s precise conducting style and advocacy of contemporary music earned international recognition. He wrote extensively on music theory and conducting techniques, teaching at the Geneva Conservatory. His recordings remain definitive interpretations of early 20th-century repertoire.

Shirley Graham Du Bois was a prolific writer and composer who created plays, operas, and radio programs celebrating African diaspora heritage. Born in 1896, she co-founded the Krigwa Players theatre collective and wrote influential biographies of black leaders. As an activist, she campaigned for civil rights in the United States and anti-colonial movements in Africa. She served as a cultural ambassador, blending artistry with social justice. Her marriage to W. E. B. Du Bois fostered collaborations that shaped Pan-African thought. Her literary and musical legacy continues to inspire artists and activists worldwide.

Roberto Matta was born in Santiago, Chile in 1911 and initially studied architecture before moving to Europe in the 1930s. He joined Andre Breton's Surrealist circle in Paris and developed cosmic landscapes filled with biomorphic forms. Matta later relocated to New York, where he became a key influence on the abstract expressionist movement. His work spanned painting, sculpture, printmaking, and stage design, marked by bold color and dynamic composition. Matta's exhibitions at major museums worldwide and record-breaking auctions attest to his enduring legacy. He returned to Europe in his later years and continued creating visionary art until his death in 2002. His profound impact on 20th-century art continues to inspire artists across disciplines.

John Guillermin was born in London in 1925 and began his career in British cinema. He gained acclaim for directing tight-paced adventure films and suspense thrillers. In the 1970s, he helmed major Hollywood projects, including the disaster epic 'The Towering Inferno' and the 1976 remake of 'King Kong'. Guillermin's dynamic visual style and ability to manage large-scale productions made him a sought-after director. He also directed films like 'The Blue Max' and 'Murder on the Orient Express'. Later in his career, he worked in television and continued to influence filmmakers with his craftsmanship. Guillermin died in 2015, remembered for his contributions to popular cinema.

Mose Allison was acclaimed for his unique fusion of jazz, blues, and humor. His piano playing combined sophisticated jazz chords with Delta blues rhythms. He wrote memorable songs like "Parchman Farm" that became standards among jazz musicians. Allison's witty, sardonic lyrics offered social commentary delivered with dry wit. He collaborated with artists such as The Who and Van Morrison, expanding his influence beyond jazz. Allison continued performing into his late eighties, inspiring generations of musicians with his distinct style.

Ernestine Anderson began singing professionally as a teenager, quickly earning acclaim in Seattle's jazz clubs. She recorded albums with major labels, showcasing her ability in jazz, blues, and pop genres. Anderson performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Newport Jazz Festival. Her warm, expressive voice and precise phrasing won her two Grammy nominations. She collaborated with jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Even into her later years, Anderson remained a beloved performer, celebrated for her timeless artistry.

Born Delores LaVern Baker in Chicago, she rose to fame with Mercury Records in the early 1950s. Her hit songs like "Tweedle Dee" and "Jim Dandy" showcased her robust, soulful voice. Baker's blend of blues, jazz, and R&B influenced countless rock and roll artists. She toured internationally, becoming one of the first African American women to gain global recognition. In later years, she received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. Her legacy endures as a trailblazer who broke barriers for future generations of female singers.

Handley began his career as a répétiteur before rising to prominence at the BBC Philharmonic. He became known for his advocacy of British composers like Elgar and Vaughan Williams. Handley's recordings helped revive interest in neglected 20th-century orchestral repertoire. He held principal conductor positions in ensembles across Europe and the US. Renowned for meticulous rehearsal standards, he earned respect from musicians and critics alike. Handley's legacy endures in his definitive recordings that expanded appreciation for British music.