January 28

Tommaso Dingli was born in 1591 on the island of Malta, where he became one of the first native-born architects. He designed and sculpted numerous churches and chapels, blending local traditions with Baroque aesthetics. Dingli’s works include altarpieces and ornamental carvings that adorn Valletta’s churches. His architectural vision contributed to the stylistic unity of Maltese ecclesiastical buildings. Dingli collaborated with skilled artisans to execute his elaborate designs. He died in 1666, leaving a legacy visible in Malta’s architectural heritage.

Augusta Holmès was born in Paris in 1847 and studied piano before turning to composition. She was a student of César Franck and gained recognition for her symphonic poems and large-scale choral works. Holmès’s compositions, including Pologne and Hunnenschlacht, were noted for their vivid orchestration and melodic boldness. As one of the few prominent female composers of her era, she challenged gender norms in the music world. Her works were championed by contemporaries such as Franz Liszt and Adrien de Waalart before her death in 1903.

Born Emilie Kittlová in 1878 in Prague, Emmy Destinn rose to fame in the early 20th century as one of Europe’s leading sopranos. She captivated audiences with her performances at the Metropolitan Opera and Bayreuth Festival. Destinn was also a published poet whose verses reflected the passions that fueled her artistry. During World War I, she supported Czech independence efforts, which led to her arrest by Austrian authorities in 1915. After the war, she continued to perform across Europe before retiring to Prague. Her legacy endures through recordings and her contributions to Czech national culture.

Born in 1859 near Tambov, Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov studied under Rimsky-Korsakov and his circle. He led the Moscow Conservatory orchestra and later directed the Tbilisi Conservatory in Georgia. His most famous work, 'Caucasian Sketches', showcases lush orchestration and folk melodies from the Caucasus. Ippolitov-Ivanov also composed symphonies, chamber music, and choral pieces reflecting Russian nationalism. He influenced generations of musicians through his teaching and writings on music theory. He died in 1935, leaving a legacy of cross-cultural musical synthesis.

Born in 1875 in Caracas, Reynaldo Hahn moved to Paris as a child and studied composition at the Paris Conservatoire. He became celebrated for his melodic chansons and operas, blending elegance with lyrical charm. Hahn also conducted major orchestras and opera houses across Europe, interpreting works from Mozart to Debussy. As a music critic for Le Figaro and other publications, he championed young composers and refined taste. A close friend of Marcel Proust, he influenced French cultural life through salons and collaborations. Hahn’s works continue to be performed and recorded, celebrated for their refinement and emotional depth.

Originally a poet, Marcel Broodthaers (1924-1976) reinvented himself as a visual artist in the 1960s, producing works that blurred distinctions between language, objects, and meaning. His iconic installations and films often critiqued the commercialization of art and the authority of museums. Broodthaers founded the Musee d'Art Moderne, Departement des Aigles, a fictional institution that satirized cultural hierarchies. He employed everyday materials—books, shells, packaged goods—to create thought-provoking juxtapositions. His poetic sensibility informed his conceptual approach, making him a pivotal figure in postmodern art. Broodthaers's influence extends across contemporary art, inspiring artists to question the role of language and institutions in shaping artistic value.

Born Ronald Wycherley in 1940, Billy Fury became a teenage heartthrob and major star in Britain's pre-Beatles pop scene. With songs like "Halfway to Paradise" and "Jealousy," he enjoyed numerous Top 10 hits and brought a soulful edge to rock and roll. Fury also demonstrated versatility as a songwriter and actor, appearing in films during his career. His heartfelt performances and emotional delivery earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Despite health struggles in later life, he continued to record and tour until his untimely death in 1983. Fury's influence resonates in the works of later British artists who blend pop melodicism with rock energy.

Born in 1911, Hogarth began his career illustrating comic strips and magazines. In 1937 he took over the Tarzan newspaper strip, infusing it with dynamic anatomy and action. His work ran until 1950 and set new standards for comic art. As an educator at the School of Visual Arts in New York, he authored influential drawing textbooks such as "Dynamic Anatomy" and "Drawing Dynamic Hands." Hogarth’s teachings and distinctive style have guided generations of artists and storyboard professionals. He was posthumously inducted into the Comic Art Hall of Fame and died in 1996.

Born in 1914 in Cleveland, Siegel collaborated with artist Joe Shuster to create Superman, debuting in Action Comics #1 (1938). Their character introduced the archetype of the modern superhero and revolutionized the comic-book industry. Despite the success of Superman, Siegel fought for decades to secure proper credit and financial compensation. He continued writing and illustrating various comics and pulp stories throughout his career. Siegel’s work laid the groundwork for comic-book storytelling and his creation remains a cultural icon. He passed away in 1996.

Born in 1938 in Miyagi Prefecture, Ishinomori debuted as a manga artist in the 1950s. He created the groundbreaking series "Cyborg 009" in 1964, pioneering the concept of a superhero team. In 1971 he launched the long-running Kamen Rider franchise, blending manga and tokusatsu television. His studio, Ishimori Productions, influenced generations of artists and filmmakers. Awarded the Grand Prize at the Japan Cartoonists Association Awards in 1990, his works have been adapted into anime and films. Ishinomori’s prolific output and visionary storytelling shaped modern Japanese pop culture before his death in 1998.

Born in 1939 in the Vologda region of Russia, Gavrilin studied under Galina Ustvolskaya at the Leningrad Conservatory. He gained recognition with the 1968 song cycle "Chimes," setting poetry by Yevgeny Yevtushenko to music. Gavrilin composed operas, ballets, and chamber works that blend Russian folk melodies with contemporary techniques. His notable pieces include "Lyric Canvas" and the film score for "Welcome, or No Trespassing." Honored as a People’s Artist of the RSFSR in 1992, he greatly influenced Soviet and post-Soviet musical traditions. Gavrilin passed away in 1999, leaving a legacy of evocative and nationally resonant compositions.

Jim Capaldi was an English musician born in 1944. He co-founded the psychedelic rock band Traffic in 1967 and contributed as a songwriter, vocalist, and drummer. His compositions, including hits like 'Love Will Keep Us Alive', showcased his melodic sensibility and lyrical depth. Beyond Traffic, Capaldi enjoyed a solo career with several acclaimed albums and collaborations with artists such as Eric Clapton. His work left a lasting impact on the British rock scene until his death in 2005.