April 18

Jeanne-Elisabeth Chaudet (1761–1832) was a French painter renowned for her portraits and genre scenes executed in a neoclassical style. Born and active in Paris, she trained as an artist during a period of great artistic change. Her works often captured the grace and elegance of her subjects, focusing on the subtleties of expression and costume. She exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon, where her paintings attracted praise for their compositional harmony and delicate palette. Married to the sculptor Antoine-Denis Chaudet, she was part of a vibrant artistic community that bridged the Ancien Régime and post-revolutionary France. Despite the upheavals of the French Revolution, she maintained a steady stream of commissions from private patrons. Her surviving works continue to reflect the refined sensibilities of late 18th and early 19th century French art.

Paweł Bryliński (1814–1890) was a Polish sculptor renowned for his religious wood carvings and folk-art style monuments. Born in Słupia, he trained in local workshops before developing a distinct approach that blended traditional techniques with popular themes. Bryliński's sculptures often adorned churches and roadside shrines throughout central Poland, reflecting the devout Catholic culture of the 19th century. His work is characterized by expressive figures and meticulous attention to detail in drapery and facial features. Despite limited formal education, he mastered wood carving to create enduring devotional art. Bryliński's pieces continue to be venerated by local communities and are studied as examples of Polish folk sculpture. His contributions highlight the rich interplay between religious devotion and regional artistic traditions.

Gustave Moreau (1826–1898) was a French painter celebrated as a leading figure of Symbolism, known for his fantastical interpretation of mythological and biblical subjects. Born in Paris, he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts under François-Édouard Picot and won the Prix de Rome in 1852. During his time in Italy, Moreau immersed himself in Renaissance art, which informed his dramatic use of color and elaborate compositions. His works, such as 'Oedipus and the Sphinx' and 'The Apparition,' combine dreamlike imagery with meticulous brushwork. As a teacher at the École des Beaux-Arts, he influenced a generation of artists, including Henri Matisse and Georges Rouault. Moreau's studio later became the Musée Gustave Moreau, preserving hundreds of his paintings, drawings, and sketches. His visionary approach bridged the academic tradition and emerging modernist sensibilities, leaving a lasting mark on 19th-century art.

Milton Brown was an American musician who pioneered the Western swing genre in the early 1930s, blending elements of country, jazz, and blues. In 1932 he founded the Musical Brownies in Fort Worth, Texas, assembling a band that included future legends of country music. Brown's danceable rhythms and smooth vocals popularized a new style that appealed to both rural and urban audiences. He recorded several hits for Decca Records between 1934 and 1935, bringing Western swing to a national audience. Brown left the band in 1935 to pursue solo work but tragically died in an automobile accident in 1936 at the age of 32. His innovative approach laid the groundwork for future generations of country and swing musicians.

Ottorino Respighi was an Italian composer and conductor celebrated for his richly orchestrated tone poems, most notably The Fountains of Rome (1916), The Pines of Rome (1924), and Roman Festivals (1928). After studying in Bologna and at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, he became a prominent conductor in Rome, leading premieres of his own works. Respighi was also a musicologist who transcribed early Italian music from the Renaissance and Baroque eras. His compositions are distinguished by colorful orchestration and evocative musical storytelling that paints vivid scenes of Rome. He taught at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, influencing a generation of composers. Respighi's works remain staples of the orchestral repertoire worldwide.

Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney was an American sculptor, art collector, and heiress to the Vanderbilt fortune. Frustrated by the lack of exhibition opportunities for contemporary American artists, she established the Whitney Studio in Greenwich Village in 1914. In 1931 she opened the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, dedicating it to showcasing modern American painting and sculpture. Whitney herself exhibited her own sculptures and supported countless emerging artists through commissions and purchases. Her philanthropic vision helped shape the landscape of 20th-century American art institutions. Today, the Whitney Museum remains a leading center for American art, reflecting her enduring impact on the art world.

Robert O. Ragland was born in 1931 and became a prolific composer and arranger for film and television, contributing scores to a wide range of genres from horror to drama. Over his career, he composed music for more than 80 productions, including films such as Coffy and Airport '77. Ragland studied composition at the Juilliard School, honing his skill in orchestration and thematic development. His versatile writing style and ability to enhance storytelling with music made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry. He also arranged music for Broadway productions and collaborated with prominent artists until his death in 2012.

Brian Priestman was an English conductor and academic known for his international orchestral career. Born in 1927, he held Music Director positions with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the Denver Symphony Orchestra. Priestman was admired for his insightful interpretations of both classical and contemporary repertoire. In addition to his conducting work, he taught at prestigious music institutions, nurturing young talent. His recordings and live performances earned critical acclaim for their clarity and energy. Priestman's legacy endures through his impact as both a performer and mentor.

Sir Harrison Birtwistle was one of the most influential British composers of his generation. Born in 1934, he studied at the Royal Manchester College of Music before establishing a groundbreaking career. His works, noted for their complexity and innovative structures, include operas like 'The Mask of Orpheus' and orchestral pieces such as 'The Triumph of Time.' Birtwistle received numerous honors, including a knighthood and the Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal. He also served as a mentor and teacher, shaping the next generation of composers. His music remains widely performed, admired for its daring and intellectual depth.

Dickey Betts was an American guitarist, singer, and composer born in 1943. He co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote enduring classics like 'Ramblin' Man' and 'Jessica.' His guitar style blended blues, country, and jazz influences, helping define the Southern rock sound. Beyond the band, Betts led several solo projects and collaborated with various artists. His improvisational skill and melodic sensibility earned him critical acclaim. Betts's songs and performances continue to resonate with fans and musicians alike.

Mandisa Lynn Hundley, known professionally as Mandisa, is an American gospel and contemporary Christian singer. She first gained national attention as a finalist on the fifth season of 'American Idol.' Her debut album, 'True Beauty,' earned her a Grammy Award nomination, and her subsequent works won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. Mandisa has released multiple chart-topping albums and singles, celebrated for their uplifting messages and vocal excellence. Beyond her music career, she has become a speaker and advocate for mental health awareness. Through her ministry and artistry, Mandisa continues to inspire listeners around the world.