March 21

Born in Mdina in 1698, Buhagiar became one of Malta’s foremost Baroque artists. He specialized in religious themes, decorating numerous churches and chapels across the island. His use of dramatic lighting and rich color palette brought biblical scenes to life. Buhagiar’s works reflect a fusion of Italian influences with Maltese spirituality. He left a lasting artistic legacy in Malta before his death in 1752.

Born in Motta di Livenza in 1741, Luchesi studied music in Venice. He served as Kapellmeister at the Electorate of Cologne’s court in Bonn. His operas, keyboard works, and sacred compositions were performed across Europe. Luchesi taught and mentored the young Ludwig van Beethoven during his early years. He blended Italian opera styles with Germanic church music until his death in 1801.

Franz Schreker (1878–1934) was an Austrian composer, conductor, and teacher renowned for his richly textured operas, including Der ferne Klang and Die Gezeichneten. He served as a professor and later rector at the Vienna Academy of Music, mentoring a generation of composers. Schreker's works bridged Romanticism and early modernism, featuring complex harmonies and lush orchestral colors. Despite his acclaim, political upheavals and anti-Semitic policies led to his professional decline in the 1930s. A recent revival of his music has highlighted his contributions to early 20th-century art music.

Born in 1865 in Saint Petersburg, Alexander Glazunov was a pupil of Rimsky-Korsakov and became one of Russia’s leading composers. He wrote eight symphonies and works like “The Seasons” and the ballet “Raymonda,” showcasing lush orchestration and melodic richness. Glazunov served as director of the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, nurturing the next generation of Russian musicians. After the Revolution, he settled in Paris and continued to conduct and compose until his death in 1936. His contributions helped bridge the Romantic tradition into the 20th century.

Born in 1900, Evald Aav composed “Vikerlased” (The Vikings) in 1928—the first full-length Estonian opera. He studied music in Riga and Berlin, bringing European techniques to Estonia’s emerging musical culture. Aav conducted the Estonian Radio Symphony Orchestra and taught at the Tallinn Conservatory. His work blended national folklore with classical forms, forging an Estonian musical identity. He passed away in 1939 but left a lasting mark on his country’s cultural heritage.

Born in Utrecht in 1871, Willem Mengelberg became conductor of Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw Orchestra in 1895. He championed the works of Mahler, Strauss, and other late Romantic composers, bringing them to wide acclaim. Mengelberg was also a composer, writing orchestral and choral works reflecting his rich musical ideals. His wartime correspondence with Nazi authorities led to controversy and a temporary ban after World War II. He died in 1951 in Switzerland, remembered for his passionate performances and influence on orchestral conducting.

Born in Athens in 1920, Manolis Chiotis became one of Greece’s most influential musicians of the 20th century. He introduced a four-course bouzouki that expanded the instrument’s range and versatility. Chiotis composed numerous hit songs and collaborated with top Greek vocalists. His energetic performances and innovative style helped shape the laiko genre. He remains celebrated for bridging traditional sounds with contemporary flair until his death in 1970.

Robert Preston was born in 1918 in New York City and began his career on Broadway in the late 1930s. His breakthrough came in Meredith Willson’s musical 'The Music Man', for which he won a Tony Award and earned an Academy Award nomination in the 1962 film adaptation. Preston also served as a captain in the United States Maritime Service during World War II. He appeared in numerous stage productions and films, showcasing his charismatic presence and baritone voice. Preston’s portrayal of Harold Hill remains one of Broadway’s most iconic performances. He passed away in 1987.

Born in 1930, Natalie Sleeth studied piano and composition at Wittenberg University before embarking on a career in church music. She composed over sixty choral anthems and piano pieces, with her hymn 'Joy in the Morning' becoming particularly beloved. Together with her husband, she conducted workshops and performances that influenced congregations and choral groups nationwide. Her compositions are celebrated for their melodic richness and heartfelt spirituality, making them staples in sacred music repertoire. Sleeth’s work continues to inspire musicians and choirs around the world long after her death in 1992.

Anthony Steel was discovered by the Rank Organisation and touted as one of Britain's leading men in the late 1940s. He achieved fame for his roles in war films and adventure stories that drew audiences with his rugged charm. In addition to acting, Steel pursued a singing career, performing jazz and light pop songs in clubs and on television. His transatlantic move led him to Hollywood, where he continued to act in supporting roles. Despite personal struggles, Steel remains remembered for his versatile talent and contributions to post-war cinema.

Bobby Short was the longtime resident performer at New York's Café Carlyle, where his elegant renditions of classics by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Irving Berlin became legendary. He recorded numerous albums and appeared on national television, bringing refined cabaret style to a broad audience. Short broke racial barriers by becoming the first African American performer to hold a long-term residency in a downtown Manhattan nightclub. He published memoirs detailing his life in music and collaborated with artists across genres. His contributions helped elevate cabaret culture and preserve the legacy of American popular song throughout the 20th century.

Drew Hayes emerged in the 1990s as an influential independent comics creator with his dark fantasy series 'Poison Elves.' He wrote, illustrated, and self-published the work through his own imprint, building a devoted fanbase. Hayes's distinctive art style and mature storytelling set his work apart and paved the way for indie comics creators. His series was later picked up by larger publishers, expanding its reach. Despite his untimely death at the age of 38, Hayes's legacy endures through his contributions to alternative comics and the inspiration he provided to emerging artists and writers in the medium.