January 24

Born Carlo Broschi on January 24, 1705, in Andria, Italy, he studied under composer Nicola Porpora in Naples and made his operatic debut in 1720. Farinelli quickly gained fame across European opera houses for his virtuosic technique and dramatic expressiveness. His performances inspired 'Farinellomania' among audiences, who were captivated by his voice's purity and agility. In 1737, he accepted an invitation to the Spanish court and sang for King Philip V, becoming a trusted confidant. He remained in Spain for nearly thirty years, influencing musical tastes and supporting emerging composers. Farinelli retired in 1762 and died in 1782, leaving a legacy as one of opera's greatest stars.

Born on January 24, 1709, in Montpellier, Dom François Bédos entered the Cistercian Abbey and took the name de Celles. He served as organist at the Abbey of Saint-Antoine and dedicated himself to the study of organ building. Between 1766 and 1778, he published 'L'Art du facteur d'orgues', a multi-volume work detailing every aspect of organ design and construction, from pipe scaling to wind mechanics. His treatise combined scientific precision with traditional craftsmanship, becoming the standard reference for organ builders across Europe. De Celles oversaw numerous organ commissions and restorations, applying his theories in practice. He died in 1779, but his writings continue to guide organologists and musicians today.

Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann (1776–1822) was a German jurist and prolific writer best known for his imaginative and often eerie tales, including 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King' and 'The Sandman.' A trained lawyer, Hoffmann balanced his legal career with music composition and literary pursuits, producing operas, concerti, and short stories. His works exhibit key elements of Romanticism, blending fantasy, horror, and satire. Hoffmann’s narratives and musical ideas influenced composers such as Tchaikovsky and inspired countless authors around the world. His unique fusion of narrative and music cemented his reputation as a versatile artist.

Born in 1848 in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, Vasily Surikov studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. He became renowned for his large-scale paintings that captured dramatic scenes such as the execution of the Streltsy and the exile of Boyaryna Morozova. Surikov's meticulous research and vivid compositions brought Russian history to life on canvas. His work influenced the narrative style of Russian art and inspired future generations of painters. Surikov continued to paint and teach until his death in 1916, securing his place as one of Russia's foremost historical artists.

Born in 1856 in Alsókubin, Transylvania (now Slovakia), Friedrich Grünanger studied architecture at the Vienna University of Technology. He served as chief architect for the Bulgarian royal court in Sofia, designing residences, public buildings, and churches. Grünanger's work blended Neo-Baroque, Secessionist, and exotic motifs, contributing to Sofia's urban transformation. His notable projects include the National Bank building and the Vrana Palace gardens. After returning to Austria, he continued designing private villas before his death in 1929, leaving a lasting legacy in Balkan architecture.

Konstantin Bogaevsky, born in Taganrog in 1872, was a prominent Symbolist artist. He studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg and traveled across Europe, absorbing Romantic and Symbolist influences. His signature works depict surreal, otherworldly seascapes and mountain vistas inspired by the Crimea. Bogaevsky’s paintings combine precise detail with imaginative atmospheres, earning him acclaim in Russian and Soviet art circles. He taught at the Odessa Art School, influencing a generation of artists. He died in 1943, remembered for his unique visual language and evocative scenes.

Paul Fejos (1897–1963) was a Hungarian-born American film director and producer active in the 1920s and 1930s. He gained acclaim for innovative silent films such as "The Last Performance" (1929) and early sound features. Fejos was a pioneer in location shooting, bringing authentic settings to his ethnographic documentaries. His most notable works include "The Bridge" (1928) and the Amazon expedition film "Amazonas" (1931). After moving to the United States, he contributed to Hollywood through both major studios and independent productions. In later years, Fejos researched the physiological effects of music and authored studies on human perception. His multidisciplinary approach bridged filmmaking and scientific inquiry. Fejos's legacy endures among film historians for his artistic and experimental vision.

Adolphe Jean-Marie Mouron, known professionally as Cassandre (1901–1968), was a French painter and graphic designer. He created enduring advertising images for clients such as Dubonnet, the Normandie ocean liner, and l’Intransigeant newspaper. Cassandre pioneered modern typography and the use of bold geometric shapes in commercial art. In 1925 he won the first prize at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs for his poster designs. He founded his own studio in 1930 and taught at the École des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. His work bridged the gap between fine art and commercial illustration, influencing generations of designers. Later in life, he expanded into painting and theatre scenography. Cassandre is regarded as one of the most influential figures in graphic design history.

Born January 24, 1906, in Chicago, Jackson joined Walt Disney Studios in 1930 as an animator and soon made his mark directing landmark shorts including "The Three Little Pigs" and Fantasia sequences. He skillfully combined animation with music, helping to develop the studio's Silly Symphonies series. Jackson also arranged musical scores and oversaw recording sessions for many Disney films. His directorial work included early color cartoons and he contributed to the studio's Golden Age successes. He remained a key creative force until his retirement in the 1960s and passed away in 1988.

Born January 24, 1907, in Basel, Daetwyler studied composition and horn performance at the Conservatory of Music before embarking on a career as a composer and teacher. He taught at the Lausanne Conservatory and influenced generations of Swiss musicians through his innovative approach to folk-inspired melodies. His catalog includes orchestral, chamber, and choral works that reflect the landscapes and traditions of Switzerland. Daetwyler's music was performed internationally, earning acclaim for its lyrical and inventive style. He remained active as a mentor and performer until his death in 1994.

Born January 24, 1909, in Bratislava, Šimerová-Martinčeková studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, where she was influenced by Cubism and Expressionism. She co-founded a Slovak modern art group and became known for her innovative use of color and form. Her body of work includes portraits, rural scenes, and abstract compositions that captured the spirit of her homeland. She exhibited widely across Europe despite the challenges of wartime and later under Communist rule. Honored with national awards, her legacy continues to inspire contemporary Slovak artists.

Born January 24, 1913, in New York City, Dello Joio studied composition at the Juilliard School under Paul Creston and organ performance with Ulrich Leupold. He taught at the Mannes College of Music and served on the faculty of Yale University, influencing generations of musicians. His prolific output includes orchestral works, choral pieces, and solo instrumental compositions noted for their clarity and emotional depth. In 1957 he received the Pulitzer Prize for his 'Meditations on Ecclesiastes' for soprano and orchestra. Dello Joio's music was featured at international events, including the Olympics and on national television, and he continued composing until his death in 2008.