May 15

Born in 1565 in Utrecht, de Keyser moved to Amsterdam to study and work under Cornelis Floris. He became a master sculptor and architect, pioneering the Dutch Renaissance style in civic and ecclesiastical buildings. His notable works include the Westerkerk tower and the Zuiderkerk, which remain iconic landmarks in Amsterdam. De Keyser's sculptural tomb monuments for prominent figures showcased his skillful use of classical forms. He founded a successful workshop that trained the next generation of Dutch artists. His architectural and artistic legacy helped define the Golden Age of the Netherlands.

Born in 1567 in Cremona, Monteverdi demonstrated musical talent from a young age and studied under Marc'Antonio Ingegneri. He served as court musician at Mantua, where he composed his groundbreaking opera L'Orfeo in 1607, considered one of the earliest operatic masterpieces. In 1613, he became maestro di cappella at St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, innovating the use of basso continuo and dramatic expression in sacred music. Monteverdi's madrigals and Vespers compositions revolutionized the relationship between music and text. His work laid the foundation for the Baroque period and influenced generations of composers. He died in Venice in 1643, remembered as one of music history's most important figures.

Born in Vienna in 1759 and blind from early childhood, Von Paradis studied under leading teachers including Antonio Salieri. She made her public debut at the age of 14 and toured major European cities, performing for monarchs and nobility. Von Paradis composed operas, chamber music, piano works, and vocal pieces that were published widely during her lifetime. She inspired audiences and fellow musicians with her expressive artistry and technical mastery. Her achievements contributed to the recognition of women and disabled artists in the classical era. After retiring from performance, she taught at the Institute for the Blind in Vienna until her death in 1824.

Born in Dublin in 1808, Balfe showed early talent as a violinist before studying composition in Italy. He achieved his first successes with operas in Venice and Milan. Settling in London, he became musical director at Covent Garden and introduced English-language opera to wider audiences. 'The Bohemian Girl', with its memorable aria 'I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls', became his most popular work. Balfe composed over 30 operas, along with songs, chamber pieces, and orchestral music. He collaborated with leading librettists and performers of his time. Balfe toured the United States and Europe, receiving acclaim for his lyrical style. He died in 1870, leaving a rich legacy in Victorian opera.

Viktor Mikhaylovich Vasnetsov (1848–1926) was a pioneering Russian artist who brought national legends and fairy tales to life through his paintings and illustrations. He played a key role in the Russian Revivalist movement and served as a bridge between academic art and folk traditions. His works, such as "Bogatyrs" and "Alyonushka", remain iconic representations of Slavic mythology. Vasnetsov also contributed to architectural decoration by designing mosaics and murals for public buildings, including the St. Vladimir Cathedral in Kiev. His unique fusion of folklore and fine art left a lasting legacy on Russian visual culture.

José Nepomuceno (1893–1959) was a groundbreaking Filipino director and producer who launched the local film industry in the 1910s. His silent film 'Dalagang Bukid' (1919) became a cultural phenomenon and established cinema as a popular medium in the Philippines. Nepomuceno founded the pioneering production company Malayan Films, nurturing local talent and producing numerous feature films. He captured Filipino folklore, social issues, and daily life on screen, creating a distinctly Philippine cinematic voice. Through his vision and entrepreneurship, Nepomuceno laid the foundation for a thriving national film industry. His contributions earned him the enduring title of 'Father of Philippine Cinema'.

Feg Murray was born in 1894 and developed into a talented hurdler in track and field. He competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics, representing the United States in the 110-meter hurdles. After his athletic career, he transitioned into cartooning and created popular sports illustrations for newspapers across the country. His work captured the excitement of athletics with humor and caricature. Murray's dual legacy in sports and art made him a unique figure in early 20th-century American culture.

Born Léonie Bathiat in 1898, Arletty began her career as a fashion model and cabaret singer in Paris. She transitioned to film in the 1930s and gained acclaim for her performances in 'Hôtel du Nord' and 'Le jour se lève'. Her most celebrated role was Garance in Marcel Carné's 'Les Enfants du Paradis', which is considered a masterpiece of French cinema. Her sharp wit and distinctive screen presence made her a beloved figure. She retired after World War II and died in 1992, leaving a lasting mark on French film.

Born in Marseille in 1905, Albert Dubout became famous for his whimsical and satirical artwork. His cartoons, featuring exaggerated human and animal figures, appeared in leading magazines like Paris Match. Dubout expanded his talent to book illustrations, theater set designs, and animated shorts. As a painter and sculptor, he explored playful distortions of form and perspective. His unique style captured the humor and absurdity of modern life, earning him exhibition spots across Europe. Dubout's legacy endures through his vibrant prints, sculptures, and enduring influence on cartoon art.

Born in Santiago in 1909, Clara Solovera became one of Chile's foremost folk musicians. She composed and recorded traditional cuecas, tonadas, and other regional styles. Her songs, filled with patriotic and rural themes, resonated with audiences across Latin America. Solovera hosted radio programs that introduced folk music to urban listeners. She received national awards for her contributions to Chilean culture and music education. Her legacy lives on in the continued popularity of her timeless melodies and lyrics.

Arthur Berger was born in New York City in 1912 and studied composition under Walter Piston at Harvard University. He became a leading figure in the mid-20th-century American classical music scene, contributing to the 'Boston School' of composers. His works are noted for their inventive use of serial techniques and lyrical expressiveness. Berger held teaching positions at institutions such as Mills College and the Curtis Institute of Music, influencing generations of composers. He also authored scholarly articles on music theory, helping to bridge the gap between contemporary practice and academic study. Berger's legacy endures through his compositions and his impact as an educator.

George Norrie Paramor was born in London in 1914 and became one of Britain's most influential record producers. During the 1950s and 1960s, he worked for EMI's Columbia label, shaping the early careers of artists such as Cliff Richard and The Shadows. Paramor also composed orchestral arrangements and conducted the Norrie Paramor Orchestra for numerous recordings. His production style combined lush orchestration with a keen ear for emerging pop trends. Beyond pop music, he scored films and arranged music for television programs. Paramor's work helped define the sound of post-war British popular music.