March 09

Joseph Bonomi the Elder was an Italian architect born in 1739 in Rome. He trained in Italy before moving to England, where he established himself as a prominent designer of country houses and public buildings. His work is distinguished by its adherence to neoclassical principles and its careful proportion and detail. Bonomi collaborated with leading patrons of his time, producing engravings and plans that helped disseminate neoclassical style across Britain. He also served as a draughtsman and surveyor, contributing to several major projects in London and the provinces. His legacy includes a series of influential architectural publications and a lasting impact on British architecture. Bonomi died in London on March 9, 1808.

Ozias Humphry was born in 1742 in Honiton, Devon. He gained fame as a portrait painter, specializing in miniature paintings and oils. His works captured refined likenesses of key figures in British society, including members of the royal family and leading intellectuals. In 1778 he was elected as an Associate of the Royal Academy, becoming a full Academician in 1791. Humphry's style is noted for its delicate brushwork and subtle color palette. Later in life he suffered from deteriorating eyesight but continued to teach and influence a generation of artists. He died in Bath on March 9, 1810, leaving behind a legacy of portraits that remain celebrated in museums and private collections.

Willard Metcalf was an American painter born in 1858 who became a leading figure of American Impressionism. He studied in Paris before returning to the United States to capture New England and New York landscapes. Metcalf's masterful use of light and color brought a vibrant quality to his rural scenes and portraits. As a founding member of the Ten American Painters, he championed artistic independence and innovation. He taught at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, influencing a generation of young artists. Metcalf's work remains celebrated for its poetic atmosphere and contribution to American art history.

Otto Freundlich was a German artist born in 1878. He was among the first European painters to embrace abstraction and geometric forms. Freundlich exhibited with the Der Blaue Reiter group and shared ideas with other modernists. His sculptures and paintings explored spirituality and universal harmony through color and shape. In 1943, he was deported by the Nazis and died in the Majdanek concentration camp. Freundlich's legacy endures in his pioneering role in bringing abstract art to prominence.

Born in 1945, Harry Womack grew up singing in gospel choirs alongside his brothers in Cleveland. In the early 1960s, he joined The Womack Brothers, later renamed The Valentinos, contributing lead and background vocals. The group scored hits like "Lookin' for a Love" and toured extensively during the soul music boom. Womack's smooth baritone voice became a hallmark of the group's sound on stage and in recordings. He collaborated with his brother Bobby Womack on various projects, enhancing his reputation in the R&B scene. On March 9, 1974, at the age of 28, Womack died of a gunshot wound, a tragic loss for the soul music community. His influence lives on through the enduring popularity of the Valentinos' recordings.

Born in 1946 in Queens, New York, Mapplethorpe began his artistic career as a painter before embracing photography. He studied at the Pratt Institute and quickly gained recognition for his meticulous composition and innovative use of light and shadow. His portfolio ranged from elegant floral still lifes to portraits of cultural icons and candid depictions of New York's underground scene. Mapplethorpe's provocative erotic photographs sparked debates on art and censorship, becoming central to discussions on free expression. He held landmark exhibitions, including a 1978 show at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Mapplethorpe died of AIDS-related complications on March 9, 1989, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary photography. His work continues to influence artists and scholars exploring identity, form, and representation.

Born Christopher Wallace in Brooklyn, he released his debut album 'Ready to Die' in 1994 to critical acclaim. Known for his smooth flow, vivid storytelling, and impactful lyrics, he helped define the sound of East Coast hip-hop. He founded his own label, starred in films like 'Who's the Man?', and collaborated with other leading artists. Caught in the East Coast–West Coast rivalry, his life was tragically cut short by a drive-by shooting in 1997. His posthumous album 'Life After Death' cemented his legacy as one of the greatest rappers of all time. He remains a cultural icon, influencing generations of musicians.

He studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and furthered his studies in Europe under prominent composers. Co-founder of the Canadian League of Composers, he championed new Canadian music throughout his career. His diverse catalog includes operas, orchestral works, chamber music, and solo piano pieces, often blending modernist and traditional elements. He served as composer-in-residence for the CBC, producing works that became staples of Canadian concert repertoire. His commitment to education and innovation influenced countless young composers and musicians. He passed away in 1999, leaving a rich legacy in Canada’s cultural history.

Born in Vancouver in 1908, she studied composition at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She taught at the University of British Columbia for over forty years, mentoring generations of Canadian composers. Her diverse oeuvre includes symphonies, concertos, choral pieces, and solo instrumental works, distinguished by lyricism and innovation. A pioneer for women in Canadian music, she received numerous honours, including the Order of Canada. Her influence endures through her compositions and the many students she inspired. She passed away in 2000, leaving a significant legacy in Canadian musical culture.

Stan Brakhage was born in 1933 and became a seminal figure in experimental cinema. He challenged traditional storytelling by creating abstract and non-narrative films that focused on visual perception. He pioneered techniques such as painting directly onto film stock, scratching frames, and creating collage effects. His landmark works include 'Mothlight' (1963) and the 'Dog Star Man' cycle, which are celebrated for their sensory richness and poetic imagery. Brakhage taught filmmaking at institutions like CalArts, influencing generations of artists. His relentless pursuit of cinematic innovation earned him international acclaim. He passed away on March 9, 2003, leaving a profound legacy in avant-garde film.

John Mayer was born in 1930 and emerged as a leading figure in India's contemporary classical music scene. He studied Western composition techniques and taught at institutions like the University of Bombay and the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. Mayer composed orchestral and chamber works that incorporated Indian ragas and rhythmic structures, bringing a unique fusion to modern composition. He published influential books on music theory and founded the Indian Musicological Society to promote scholarly research. His compositions were performed internationally, earning him critical acclaim. Mayer's dedication to education and composition helped shape the future of Indian classical music. He passed away on March 9, 2004, leaving a lasting impact on musicians and scholars.

Anna Moffo was born in 1932 and studied at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. She made her breakthrough at age 23 in a televised performance as Cio-Cio-San in Puccini's 'Madama Butterfly.' Moffo became a star at Milan's La Scala, captivating audiences in roles such as Lucia di Lammermoor and Violetta in 'La Traviata.' She made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1965 and remained a favorite through the 1970s. Known for her warm timbre and dramatic flair, she recorded extensively for RCA Victor, producing acclaimed albums and televised opera films. Moffo also appeared in musicals and television programs, broadening her appeal beyond traditional opera audiences. After a long illness, she passed away on March 9, 2006, leaving a rich artistic legacy.