March 30

Born in Bergamo in 1695, Pietro Locatelli studied violin in Rome before embarking on a successful career across Italy and Amsterdam. He published his landmark work 'L'Arte del Violino', which showcased challenging passages and advanced bowing techniques for solo violin. Locatelli's compositions combined Italian lyricism with dazzling virtuosity, influencing generations of violinists. In Amsterdam he ran a music shop and taught students, cementing his status as a prominent figure in the Baroque musical scene. He remained active as a composer and performer until his death in 1764.

Born in Paris in 1755, Vigée Le Brun displayed artistic talent from a young age.\nShe gained fame as the portraitist of Marie Antoinette, capturing the Queen's grace with soft brushwork.\nAs a woman in the 18th century, she overcame societal barriers to become a member of the French Académie de Peinture et de Sculpture.\nVigée Le Brun traveled extensively across Europe, painting portraits of royalty and aristocrats in Italy, Russia, and Vienna.\nHer style combined Rococo elegance with neoclassical restraint, influencing portraiture for decades.\nAfter the French Revolution, she authored memoirs recounting her experiences at Versailles and beyond.\nShe returned to France late in life and continued painting until her death in 1842.

Born in 1811 in Germany, Schindelmeisser became one of the foremost clarinetists of his generation.\nHe championed the composition of new works for wind instruments, collaborating with composers like Carl Maria von Weber.\nHis own compositions include concertos and chamber works that expanded the clarinet repertoire.\nAs a conductor, he led performances in major German theaters, shaping orchestral wind sections.\nSchindelmeisser's technical mastery and expressive style influenced generations of wind players.\nHis career bridged the Classical and Romantic eras before his death in 1864.

Born in 1815 in Senlis, France, Couture studied under renowned masters at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.\nHis masterpiece 'Romans During the Decadence' debuted in 1847, earning critical acclaim for its dramatic realism.\nAs a teacher, Couture mentored future masters including Édouard Manet and Henri Fantin-Latour.\nHe advocated for the study of history painting and the importance of individual expression.\nCouture's own works blend classical techniques with Romantic energy, reflecting 19th-century France.\nAfter retiring from teaching, he continued to paint and exhibit until his death.\nHe died in 1879, leaving a legacy as both artist and mentor.

Romanos Melikian was an Armenian composer born in 1883 who played a key role in shaping modern Armenian music. He studied composition in Europe before returning to Armenia, where he gathered folk melodies and wove them into orchestral and chamber works. Melikian helped found the Armenian Conservatory and taught a generation of musicians. His compositions include symphonic poems, choral pieces, and operettas that express Armenian cultural identity. He championed the preservation of musical traditions while fostering innovation. Melikian’s work laid the groundwork for Armenia’s musical renaissance in the 20th century. He continued composing and teaching until his death in 1935.

Conchita Supervía was a Spanish soprano born in 1895 renowned for her fiery voice and charismatic performances. She studied music in Barcelona and Milan, gaining acclaim for her interpretations of Rossini, Bizet, and Spanish zarzuela. Supervía toured Europe and the Americas, captivating audiences with her dramatic flair and vocal agility. In addition to her operatic career, she appeared in films and recordings that broadened her popularity. She was celebrated for her stagecraft and ability to blend dramatic acting with vocal nuance. Supervía’s influence extended to young singers who admired her technique and style. She tragically passed away during a tour in 1936 at the peak of her career.

Harl McDonald was born in 1899 in Houston, Texas, and studied music at Yale University. He composed scores for early Hollywood films and collaborated with prominent directors of the silent and sound eras. As a conductor, he led major orchestras, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, in performances of classical and contemporary repertoire. McDonald also taught composition and orchestration, influencing a generation of American musicians. His works blended romantic lyricism with modern harmonies, leaving a lasting mark on 20th-century American music.

Joseph Haas was born in 1879 in Frankfurt (Oder) and studied under Max Reger, developing a rich harmonic language. He composed numerous choral pieces, symphonies, and chamber works that blended late-Romantic warmth with modern techniques. As a professor at the Munich Academy of Music, Haas mentored prominent students like Carl Orff and Wilhelm Killmayer. He wrote extensively on music theory and history, contributing to the scholarly understanding of German music. Haas's works, noted for their expressive depth and craftsmanship, remain performed by choirs and orchestras today.

Aleksandr Gauk was born in 1893 in Starorussky Uyezd, Russian Empire, and studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. He conducted major Soviet orchestras, championing works by Shostakovich, Prokofiev, and Tchaikovsky with intensity and precision. Gauk composed orchestral and chamber music, infusing traditional Russian themes with contemporary techniques. He taught conducting at the Leningrad Conservatory, shaping future generations of Soviet maestros. Gauk's dynamic performances and compositions contributed significantly to 20th-century Russian musical heritage.

Maxfield Parrish was a leading American artist known for his distinctive style featuring vibrant hues and enchanting landscapes. Born in 1870, he studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Art Students League of New York. Parrish achieved mass popularity through his prints, calendars, and advertisements, captivating audiences with works like 'Daybreak' and 'Ecstasy'. His mastery of glazes created a unique glowing effect, often referred to as 'Parrish blue'. Over his career, he produced illustrations for books, magazines, and theatrical sets, influencing generations of artists. Parrish passed away in 1966, leaving a lasting legacy in American art and illustration.

Levko Revutsky was a key figure in Ukrainian classical music, composing symphonies, chamber works, and piano pieces.\nA student of Mykola Lysenko, he incorporated traditional Ukrainian folk melodies into his works, creating a distinct national style.\nHis Symphony No. 2 in E minor is celebrated for its lyrical themes and innovative orchestration.\nRevutsky served as a professor and later rector at the Kyiv Conservatory, influencing generations of Ukrainian musicians.\nHe also edited and published collections of folk songs, preserving cultural heritage during turbulent historical periods.\nHis music remains a staple of Ukrainian concert repertoire and a testament to his devotion to national art.

Ray Ventura formed an influential jazz orchestra in the late 1920s, becoming a leading figure in French swing music.\nUnder his leadership, the band enjoyed huge popularity across Europe, known for tight arrangements and charismatic performances.\nHe scored music for films and made several movie appearances, helping to popularize jazz in French cinema.\nHis ensembles launched the careers of many notable musicians.\nVentura's blend of American jazz with French chanson created a distinctive sound that resonated in the 1930s and 1940s.\nHe continued to record and perform after World War II, leaving a lasting legacy in French popular music.