February 29

Born in Pesaro in 1792, Gioachino Rossini showed musical talent from an early age and composed his first opera at 18. He rose to fame with comedic works like The Barber of Seville and La Cenerentola, delighting audiences with his melodic inventiveness. Rossini’s dynamic overtures and gift for vocal writing defined the bel canto era of early 19th-century opera. In 1829, he premiered his epic opera William Tell before retiring from the stage to focus on sacred music and private life. Rossini was also an accomplished gourmet and chef, known for his love of fine cuisine. His works remain central to the operatic repertoire, celebrated for their wit, elegance, and melodic beauty. He died in 1868, leaving a prolific legacy of 39 operas and numerous smaller works.

Born in Florida, Augusta Savage overcame racial barriers to study art in New York and Paris. Her sculptures, often cast in plaster, celebrated African-American heritage and everyday life. During the Harlem Renaissance, she exhibited at the 1925 Paris Salon and won significant commissions. As director of the Harlem Community Art Center, she mentored young Black artists under the WPA art programs. Her legacy endures through public works and her advocacy for greater inclusion in the arts.

Jimmy Dorsey was an American jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. He led one of the most popular big bands of the Swing Era alongside his brother, Tommy. His hits included "Opus One," "Amapola," and "Tangerine," which remain jazz standards. Dorsey's smooth style and technical mastery influenced generations of woodwind players. He co-founded the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and later established his own successful band. His innovative arrangements helped define the sound of 1930s and 1940s American popular music.

Balthus, born Balthasar Klossowski de Rola, was a Polish-French-Swiss modernist painter. He gained fame for his enigmatic, dreamlike portraits of adolescents in domestic interiors. Rejecting abstract trends, he drew on classical techniques and surrealist influences. His work, including "The Street" and "Thérèse Dreaming," sparked both admiration and controversy. Balthus held long-term directorship at the School of Fine Arts in Rome's French Academy. His distinctive style influenced generations of figurative artists exploring psychological depth.

Born Simone Renée Roussel in 1920, Michèle Morgan became one of France’s most beloved film stars, acclaimed for her performances in Port of Shadows (1938) and La Symphonie Pastorale (1946), which won her the Best Actress award at Cannes. After working in Hollywood post-World War II, she returned to European cinema, earning international honors for her talent and elegance. Morgan also showcased her musical gifts in select film and stage projects. Over a career spanning seven decades, she remained a symbol of grace and artistic integrity. She passed away in 2016, honored as a legend of French cinema.

Jean Adamson was born in 1928 and studied illustration before collaborating with her husband, Gareth, to create the Topsy and Tim books in 1960. The series, depicting the everyday adventures of a young twin brother and sister, became a staple of children’s literature and was adapted into a long-running BBC television program. Adamson’s gentle illustrations and engaging storytelling introduced generations of young readers to themes of friendship, learning, and family. Over her career, she published more than 100 titles, many translated worldwide. She passed away in 2024, remembered as a pioneer in early childhood literature.

Reri Grist graduated from the University of Southern California and made her operatic debut in 1958 at the San Francisco Opera. She was one of the first African American sopranos to perform leading roles at the Vienna State Opera and other major European houses. Grist excelled in roles such as Olympia in "Les Contes d'Hoffmann" and Cleopatra in Handel's "Giulio Cesare". She appeared on film and television, bringing opera to wider audiences through televised productions. A dedicated teacher, she has mentored young singers and promoted diversity in classical music.

Sérgio Jaguaribe, known by the pen name Jaguar, began his career as a cartoonist in the 1950s in Rio de Janeiro. He contributed to influential publications such as O Pasquim during Brazil's military dictatorship, using humor to critique political repression. Jaguar created memorable characters and series that blended satire with social commentary. His work earned him awards and international recognition, including exhibitions and book collections. He remains an important figure in Latin American comics, inspiring artists across generations.

Paolo Eleuteri Serpieri (born 1944) is an Italian comic book artist and writer best known for creating the erotic science fiction series "Druuna." He trained as an art historian before beginning his career illustrating comics in the 1970s. Serpieri’s work is noted for its detailed artwork, strong female protagonists, and complex storylines. His books have been translated into multiple languages and have a cult following worldwide. He has received several awards for his contributions to graphic storytelling.

Khaled rose to international fame in the early 1990s with his hit singles 'Didi' and 'Aïcha,' bringing Algerian raï music to global audiences. Born in Oran in 1960, he began his career performing in local clubs and recording traditional folk tunes. His fusion of Arabic melodies with Western instrumentation broke cultural barriers and led to collaborations with global artists. Khaled has released numerous gold-certified albums and performed at major world music festivals. He remains an ambassador for Algerian culture and continues to innovate within the world music scene.

Mervyn Warren began his musical journey as a tenor vocalist and co-founder of the acclaimed a cappella group Take 6. He has since composed and produced music for film, television, and popular artists, earning multiple Grammy and Emmy nominations. Warren's notable works include scores for 'The Preacher's Wife' and 'Dangerous Minds,' as well as collaborations with icons like Ray Charles and Michael Jackson. He leads his own production company, focusing on innovative cross-genre projects and mentoring emerging talent in the music industry.

Gareth Farr has established himself as a leading composer in New Zealand and abroad. He studied composition at the University of Auckland and completed postgraduate studies overseas. His works often draw on Pacific and Southeast Asian influences, creating vibrant, rhythmically engaging pieces. Farr has composed orchestral works, chamber music, and percussion concertos, commissioned by major ensembles around the world. He is also a celebrated percussion soloist, bringing energy and innovation to his performances. Farr's music has been featured in film, television, and international festivals, earning critical acclaim for its originality.