April 28

Born in Salzburg in 1715, Franz Sparry entered the Benedictine Order and devoted his life to sacred music. He taught at the Admont monastery school and composed numerous liturgical works, including masses, vespers, and motets. Sparry’s music blended intricate counterpoint with Baroque expressiveness, reflecting the stylistic currents of his time. As an educator, he influenced generations of church musicians through his teaching and publications. He died in 1767, leaving a body of work that continues to be studied by scholars of early eighteenth-century sacred music.

Born in Aarhus in 1848, Ludvig Schytte studied piano and composition under notable instructors in Vienna and Paris. He toured Europe as a concert pianist, acclaimed for his spirited performances and refined technique. Schytte composed numerous works for piano, including character pieces and technical studies that remain popular among students. He also served as a respected teacher, publishing pedagogical materials that blended musicality with technical development. Schytte died in 1909, leaving behind a catalog of works that continue to enrich piano repertoire and education.

Born in Caldas da Rainha in 1855, José Malhoa studied at the Lisbon Academy of Fine Arts under distinguished masters. He became a leading figure in the naturalist movement, depicting rural life and Portuguese customs with technical precision and emotional depth. Malhoa's best-known works include 'Fado' and 'A Lavoura,' which capture the soul of Portuguese folklore and social realities. He founded the National Society of Fine Arts and mentored younger artists, promoting modern art in his homeland. Malhoa died in 1933, and today his paintings are celebrated in major museums and evoke the vibrant cultural history of Portugal.

Lucy Booth was an English composer whose surviving works include choral songs and piano pieces. Although details of her life remain scarce, her music was performed by local ensembles in England. Her compositions reflect the romantic traditions of her era, featuring lyrical melodies and rich harmonies. Several of her pieces were published in regional music collections and used in educational settings. Despite limited recognition during her lifetime, her works offer insight into the contributions of women composers of the period. Further research may reveal more about her career and musical output.

Erich Salomon was one of the first press photographers to use hidden cameras and flash equipment to record unguarded moments. He documented the League of Nations, international conferences, and the legal profession with unprecedented intimacy. Salomon’s images appeared in magazines like The New York Times and Berliner Illustrirte Zeitung, influencing photojournalism. His technique involved disguising cameras in everyday objects, allowing him to photograph leaders without posing. A founding figure in modern press photography, he set a standard for spontaneous reportage style. Tragically, Salomon died in 1944 at the Theresienstadt concentration camp, leaving behind a groundbreaking body of work.

Na Hye-sok was one of Korea’s first female artists and a leading feminist voice during the Japanese colonial era. She published essays challenging traditional gender roles and became renowned for her vivid oil paintings and poetry. Na’s career peaked in the 1920s as she fought for women’s rights, marriage freedom, and educational opportunities. Her outspoken views sparked controversy, leading to social exile in later years. Despite personal hardships, her literary works and artworks endure as symbols of early modern Korean feminism and cultural transformation.

Paul Sacher rose to prominence as a conductor, founding prestigious ensembles such as the Basel Chamber Orchestra. He commissioned works from Maurice Ravel, Igor Stravinsky, and Béla Bartók, shaping 20th-century music. Sacher established the Paul Sacher Foundation in 1978 to preserve composers' manuscripts. His philanthropy extended to Swiss museums and academic institutions. Sacher's legacy survives through recordings and the Sacher Research Archive.

Kaneto Shindō began his career as a screenwriter before directing his first film 'Story of a Beloved Wife' in 1952. He co-founded the independent studio Kindai Eiga Kyokai and produced landmark films like 'Onibaba' (1964) and 'The Naked Island' (1960). Shindō's work often addressed postwar social struggles, poverty, and human resilience. He continued directing into his 90s, earning international recognition including the Berlin Film Festival Silver Bear. Shindō remains a pivotal figure in Japanese New Wave cinema, influencing filmmakers worldwide.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Rose Murphy rose to fame in the 1930s with her unique vocal approach and whimsical delivery. She collaborated with prominent jazz musicians of the era and was a regular performer in New York City jazz clubs. Her hit song "Busy Line" showcased her comedic timing and inventive vocalizations, earning her the nickname "the cheetah." Murphy's recordings and live performances influenced subsequent generations of jazz vocalists. Throughout her career, she remained a beloved figure for her joyful spirit and musical creativity. She passed away in 1989, leaving behind a legacy of playful innovation in jazz singing.

Dick Ayers began his career in the 1940s, illustrating war and western comics for various publishers. In 1958, he joined Marvel Comics, becoming one of the first artists to work on the emerging line of superhero titles. Ayers inked Jack Kirby's pencils on early issues of the Fantastic Four and co-created iconic characters such as the Teen Brigade. His dynamic art style and contributions shaped the look and feel of 1960s Marvel storytelling. He later wrote and drew for the "Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos" series, blending action with humor. Ayers' five-decade career influenced generations of comic artists and fans around the world. He passed away in 2014, leaving a lasting mark on the golden age of comics.

Blossom Dearie was born in East Durham, New York and began piano lessons at age six. She developed a light, airy vocal style and became known for her intimate jazz cabaret performances. In the 1950s, she recorded albums for Verve and moved to Paris, where her cool, sophisticated interpretations won acclaim. Returning to the U.S., she became a fixture at New York clubs such as the Blue Note and Birdland. She collaborated with songwriter Dave Frishberg and influenced generations of jazz vocalists with her nuanced phrasing. Her legacy endures through her distinctive recordings and contributions to the modern jazz repertoire.

James Bama was born in Pittsburgh and studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York. He began his career as a commercial illustrator, creating paperback covers for crime and adventure novels. In the 1970s, Bama moved to Wyoming and turned to realist painting of Western subjects, wildlife, and portraiture. His dramatic landscapes and portraits, including iconic images of Elvis Presley, won critical and popular acclaim. His work is celebrated for its meticulous detail, vibrant color, and authentic depiction of the American West. Bama continued painting and exhibiting until shortly before his death in 2022.