April 14

Gasparo da Salò (1540–1609), born Gasparo Bertolotti, was a pioneering Italian violin maker. Operating in Brescia, he crafted instruments acclaimed for their powerful tone and elegant design. His violins combined features of the viol and medieval fiddle, setting new standards for sound quality. Da Salò's workshop influenced subsequent masters, including the Amati family in Cremona. Only a handful of his instruments survive, treasured by museums and performers worldwide. His innovations laid the foundation for the golden age of violin making.

Born in 1685 in Halle, Germany, George Frideric Handel studied law before dedicating himself to music. He traveled to Italy to hone his skills and later settled in London, where he gained fame for his operas and monumental oratorios, including the enduring "Messiah". His Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks remain staples of the orchestral repertoire. Knighted in 1727, Handel bridged German, Italian, and English musical traditions. His innovative harmonies and dramatic flair left a lasting imprint on Western music.

Joseph Lanner was born in 1801 in Vienna and formed his own dance orchestra by the age of twenty. He composed over 150 dance pieces, including waltzes, galops, and polkas, which became staples of Viennese society balls. His orchestral innovations and melodic charm influenced contemporaries, notably Johann Strauss I. Lanner's lively rhythms and elegant style helped establish Vienna as the dance music capital of Europe. He died in 1843, leaving a lasting imprint on the city's musical heritage.

Mikhail Aleksandrovich Vrubel (1856–1910) was a pioneering figure in Russian Symbolism and Art Nouveau. He trained at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg and developed a distinctive style marked by expressive forms and rich, jewel-like colors. Vrubel’s most famous works include his series of Demon paintings and decorative designs at the St. Petersburg Opera. His fusion of painting and sculpture blurred the boundaries of visual art and craft. Despite personal struggles with illness and mental health, Vrubel’s visionary creations influenced generations of Russian modernists.

John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) was an American artist who rose to fame in Europe as a leading portrait painter. Born in Florence, he studied in Paris under Carolus-Duran and mastered a fluid brushwork that captured the grace and character of his subjects. His controversial 'Portrait of Madame X' (1884) brought him international attention and critical debate. Sargent’s oeuvre also includes evocative landscapes and vibrant watercolors that demonstrate his versatility. He contributed murals to public buildings and wrote essays on artistic technique. Today, Sargent is remembered for his technical brilliance and his ability to blend realism with impressionistic flair.

Born in Cambridge in 1952, Pete Farndon co-founded The Pretenders in 1978, contributing to their signature punk-pop sound. His melodic and driving bass lines anchored hit songs such as Brass in Pocket and Back on the Chain Gang. Despite early successes, Farndon's career was cut short by personal struggles that led to his departure from the band in 1982. He recorded with other artists in a final effort to continue his musical passions. Farndon's innovative musicianship on the band's first two albums remains influential in rock music. He died in 1983, remembered for his role in shaping British new wave.

Thurston Harris was an American R&B singer who rose to fame in the 1950s. Born in 1931 in Indianapolis, he began his music career singing gospel before switching to rhythm and blues. His 1957 single 'Little Bitty Pretty One' became a nationwide hit and remains a classic of the era. Harris's smooth vocals and upbeat style influenced early rock and roll artists. He continued to record and perform with various groups throughout his career. His contributions helped pave the way for R&B crossover into mainstream pop music.

Burl Ives was an American singer, actor, and author born in 1909. He rose to prominence in the 1940s with his folk music recordings and radio programs, popularizing traditional songs like 'Blue Tail Fly'. Ives transitioned to acting in the 1950s, winning an Academy Award nomination for his role in 'The Big Country'. His performance as Sam the Snowman in the 1964 television special 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' became a holiday classic. He wrote several books and songs, blending storytelling with music throughout his career. Ives hosted television specials and continued touring until his death, leaving a lasting impact on American folk culture. His contributions span music, film, and literature, reflecting a versatile and enduring artistry.

Sir Anthony Newley was an English performer born in 1931. He began his career as a child actor and gained fame in the 1950s for his roles in West End musicals. Newley co-wrote the Broadway hit 'Stop the World – I Want to Get Off', earning a Tony Award nomination. As a singer, his recording of 'What Kind of Fool Am I?' became an international success. He also starred in films such as 'The Roaring Twenties' and 'The Strange World of Planet X'. Newley's innovative approach blended acting and songwriting, influencing musical theatre and pop music. Later in life, he was knighted for his contributions to the arts and continued composing until his death.

Born in 1927 into a family of artists, Hiroshi Teshigahara initially studied philosophy before turning to film. He made his directorial debut with works blending surreal imagery and existential themes. Teshigahara’s collaboration with writer Kobo Abe produced The Woman in the Dunes (1964), earning international acclaim and a Cannes Jury Prize. He went on to direct films such as Pitfall (1962) and The Face of Another (1966), expanding the boundaries of Japanese cinema. Beyond directing, he also produced and wrote screenplays, championing experimental art through the Sōgetsu Arts Centre. Teshigahara died in 2001 at the age of 73, leaving a legacy of visionary cinematic art.

Don Ho was born in 1930 in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Chinese and Native Hawaiian parents. After a brief stint studying medicine, he turned to music, performing in Waikiki lounges in the 1950s. His smooth vocals and easy charm captured audiences, leading to a record deal and his signature hit “Tiny Bubbles” in 1966. Ho hosted his own summer variety show on CBS and became a Las Vegas headliner. He helped popularize Hawaiian music internationally and influenced generations of performers. Ho passed away in 2007 at the age of 76, leaving a legacy as an ambassador of Hawaiian culture.

Ollie Johnston was a pioneering animator at Walt Disney Studios, celebrated for bringing beloved characters to life with vivid personality. He was one of Disney's 'Nine Old Men,' the core creative team behind classics like 'Sleeping Beauty' and 'The Jungle Book.' Johnston's fluid animation techniques and emotional storytelling set new standards in the art form. Beyond his animation work, he lent his voice to several Disney projects and appeared in documentaries on animation history. He co-authored the influential book 'Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life,' sharing his expertise with future generations. Johnston's passion for his craft inspired countless animators and solidified his place in cinematic history.