April 26

Bernhard Schott established his music publishing firm in Mainz in 1770, which would grow into one of the world’s oldest and most respected publishers. He specialized in printing works by leading composers of the Classical and early Romantic eras, including Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Schott’s business innovations helped standardize printing techniques and expand the distribution of sheet music across Europe. Under his leadership, the firm became instrumental in shaping musical taste and preserving important compositions. He passed away in 1809, leaving a thriving enterprise that continues to operate today.

Jack Valenti (1921-2007) was a prominent American political advisor and film executive. He served as Special Assistant to President Lyndon B. Johnson before being appointed president of the Motion Picture Association of America in 1966. Valenti is best known for creating the MPAA film rating system in 1968, classifying movies by audience suitability. Under his leadership, the MPAA navigated challenges such as the rise of home video and digital piracy. He lobbied for intellectual property rights and shaped industry standards over his 38-year tenure. Valenti’s influence profoundly affected film marketing, censorship debates, and the global perception of Hollywood.

Urs Felber (1942-2010) was a Swiss engineer and business leader in the furniture hardware industry. He joined a leading hardware manufacturer and rose to the position of CEO, driving international expansion across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Felber championed research and development, securing patents for innovative hinge and drawer systems. He served on industry associations’ boards, promoting Swiss engineering excellence abroad. Under his leadership, the company became a global market leader in furniture fittings. His strategic vision and commitment to quality left a lasting impact on modern furniture manufacturing standards.