May 03

Born in 1644 in what is now the Czech Republic, Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber rose to prominence as one of the Baroque era’s leading violinists. He served for over forty years at the court of the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, composing sacred and secular music. Biber’s Mysteries of the Rosary Sonatas showcase his revolutionary use of scordatura tuning and programmatic writing. His chamber works blend virtuosic passages with intricate counterpoint, pushing the technical boundaries of the violin. Beyond his solo pieces, Biber composed mass settings and instrumental ensembles that influenced future generations. He died on May 3, 1704, leaving a repertoire that remains central to Baroque performance today.

Born in Parma in 1771, he studied under renowned teachers and gained early acclaim for his operatic talent. He moved to Paris in 1805, where his operas were performed at the Opéra-Comique and earned widespread praise. His style blended melodic grace with dramatic intensity, influencing later composers like Rossini. In 1814, he was appointed court composer in Dresden, producing works that solidified his reputation. He later served as Chapel Master in Vienna before returning to Dresden as Kapellmeister. He died in 1839, leaving a body of work that bridged two major musical periods.

Born in Paris in 1803, he studied composition under Luigi Cherubini at the Conservatoire de Paris. He achieved success with his first ballet in 1824, leading to commissions for operas and ballets. His ballet 'Giselle' (1841) remains one of the most enduring works of the Romantic repertoire. He also composed the famed Christmas carol 'Cantique de Noël' (O Holy Night) in 1847. Adam was a respected critic and writer for the Gazette Musicale, influencing 19th-century music discourse. He died in 1856, remembered for his melodic gift and contributions to ballet and opera.

Jessie Willcox Smith was born in 1863 and studied at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women. She became one of the most prominent illustrators of the Gold Age of American illustration. Smith's gentle, expressive portrayals graced magazines like Ladies' Home Journal and St. Nicholas. She illustrated classic children's books and holiday books with warmth and detail. Smith was a founding member of the Philadelphia Society of Illustrators. Her work continues to delight audiences through reprints and exhibitions.

Born Iolanda Gigliotti, Dalida rose to fame in France with her hit 'Bambino' in 1957. She recorded songs in French, Italian, Arabic, and more, selling over 170 million records worldwide. Dalida also appeared in films and performed as a dancer and model. Her emotional performances and glamorous image made her a European icon. Tragically, after a career spanning over three decades, she took her own life in 1987, leaving a lasting legacy in music.

Dimitri Fampas studied music at the Athens Conservatory and became a leading classical guitarist. He composed numerous works for guitar, blending classical technique with Greek folk influences. Fampas taught at national and international masterclasses, mentoring generations of guitarists. He served on juries for major guitar competitions and promoted the instrument worldwide. His compositions and educational methods solidified his reputation in the classical guitar community.

Born in Lorca, Spain, in 1927, Yepes rose to international fame as a virtuoso classical guitarist. He pioneered the development of the ten-string guitar, expanding the instrument's range and tonal possibilities. His recordings of works like Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez garnered critical acclaim worldwide. In addition to performing, he composed original pieces and wrote the score for films such as Jean de Florette. Yepes toured extensively, influencing generations of guitarists with his expressive technique. He passed away in 1997, leaving a profound legacy in the world of classical music.

Born in Budapest in 1901, Báthory studied art before dedicating herself to glass design. In the 1920s, she pioneered techniques that combined traditional craftsmanship with modernist aesthetics. Her work, featuring distinctive vases and decorative panels, was exhibited across Europe. During World War II, she continued her practice and later taught at the Academy of Applied Arts. Her designs are held in major museum collections and influenced future generations of glass artists. She died in 2000, leaving a legacy of creativity and technical mastery.

Yevgeny Svetlanov (1928–2002) was one of the Soviet Union's most distinguished conductors, leading the USSR State Symphony Orchestra for over three decades. A gifted pianist, he also composed orchestral and piano works that reflected Russian musical traditions. Svetlanov's recordings of Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Shostakovich remain benchmarks for their intensity and color. He championed contemporary composers in Russia and abroad, premiering numerous modern works. His dynamic leadership and deep musical understanding left a lasting impact on the world of classical music.

Karel Appel (1921–2006) was a founding member of the avant-garde CoBrA movement, celebrated for his spontaneous and expressive paintings. His vibrant canvases and sculptures used bold color and primitive forms to challenge traditional art norms. Appel studied at the Royal Academy of Art in Amsterdam and exhibited widely across Europe and the United States. In addition to his visual art, he wrote poetry that mirrored the raw energy of his paintings. His innovative approach reshaped postwar art and continues to inspire contemporary creators.

Warja Honegger-Lavater (1913–2007) was a Swiss graphic artist renowned for her charming illustrations in children's literature. Trained at the Zurich School of Arts and Crafts, she collaborated with authors to bring stories to life using simple lines and soft color palettes. Her distinctive style balanced whimsy with clarity, influencing mid-century European illustration. Honegger-Lavater's work appeared in educational books and international exhibitions, enchanting generations of readers. Her art continues to evoke nostalgia and joy with its timeless warmth.

Renée Morisset was a Canadian concert pianist renowned for her interpretations of both contemporary and classical works. She performed extensively across Canada and internationally, championing pieces by Canadian composers. A dedicated educator, she gave masterclasses and taught at prestigious music institutions. Her recordings helped elevate Canadian piano music on the world stage. Her career spanned over five decades, leaving a lasting impact on Canada's cultural heritage. She passed away on May 3, 2009, remembered as one of Canada's most influential pianists.