June 08

Born in 1562 in Nuremberg, Hassler traveled to Venice to study under Andrea and Giovanni Gabrieli, absorbing the Venetian polychoral style. Upon his return to Germany, he became court organist in Augsburg and later served the ruling dukes of Baden. Hassler’s compositions include motets, madrigals, and secular songs that showcase his mastery of counterpoint and expressive text setting. He was among the first German composers to introduce the polyphonic innovations of northern Italy to his homeland. His instrumental works for organ helped establish a German keyboard tradition that later influenced Baroque composers. Hassler’s music enjoyed widespread popularity and was copied extensively in manuscript. He died in 1612 at the age of 50, remembered as a bridge between two great musical cultures.

Born in Geneva in 1799, Rodolphe Töpffer was a Swiss educator who invented the illustrated story format that would become the modern comic strip. A skilled painter and caricaturist, he combined his talent in visual art with witty narratives to critique social norms. His influential works, including 'Histoire de Mr. Vieux Bois', laid the groundwork for sequential art in Europe and America. Töpffer's innovation earned him recognition as the father of comics, inspiring countless artists. He died in 1846, leaving a legacy that continues to shape graphic storytelling.

Born in Paris in 1883.\nAssociated with the Cubist movement and a close friend of poet Guillaume Apollinaire.\nKnown for soft pastel palettes and delicate portraits of women and animals.\nExhibited regularly at the Salon des Indépendants and Salon d'Automne.\nLived in Spain during the Spanish Civil War before returning to France.\nHer work remains celebrated for its poetic approach to Cubism.

Gordon Jacob was a prolific composer whose works spanned orchestral, chamber and wind band music. Born in Surrey, he studied at Dulwich College and the Royal College of Music under Ralph Vaughan Williams. He became a professor of composition at the Royal College of Music in 1924, influencing generations of musicians. His lighthearted yet skillful scores remain staples in the wind ensemble repertoire. Jacob received numerous accolades, including a CBE in 1957 for his services to music. He wrote over a hundred works, showcasing his mastery of form, melody and orchestration.

Jaxon (1941–2006) was an American illustrator and publisher pivotal in the underground comix scene. He co-founded Rip Off Press, a key publisher of countercultural comics in the 1960s and 1970s. His bold, expressive artwork appeared in magazines, newspaper strips, and independent titles. He combined historical research with a pointed sense of satire to create memorable visual narratives. Jaxon's work broadened the scope of comic art and inspired a generation of alternative cartoonists. His legacy endures in the vibrant world of independent comics and graphic storytelling.

Yoram Kaniuk (1930–2013) was an Israeli painter, journalist, and critic. His artwork featured bold colors and abstract forms, exhibited in galleries worldwide. As a journalist and art critic, he contributed to major newspapers, offering incisive cultural insights. He authored essays and reviews that challenged artistic conventions and promoted emerging artists. Kaniuk's multidisciplinary talent made him a leading voice in Israel's postwar cultural scene. His legacy lives on through his paintings and influential writings on art and society.

Born in 1971, Andre Matos began his music career as the lead vocalist of the band Viper before co-founding the power metal group Angra in 1991. Known for his versatile soprano voice and classical training, he contributed to albums like “Angels Cry” and “Holy Land,” which gained international acclaim. Matos later formed Shaman and contributed to various side projects, showcasing his skills as a songwriter and producer. He was revered for blending melodic elements with traditional heavy metal. His sudden passing in 2019 was mourned by fans worldwide, highlighting his lasting influence on the metal genre.

Born in 1935 in Portugal, Paula Rego studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London and developed a distinctive visual style combining storytelling with personal and collective history. Her works often reinterpret fairy tales and mythologies to comment on social and political issues, particularly the experiences of women. Rego received international recognition with exhibitions at the Tate Gallery and the Venice Biennale, earning the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Beyond her art, she was a mentor to younger generations of artists. She passed away in 2022, leaving a powerful body of work that continues to inspire.