June 15

Louis-Claude Daquin was a French Baroque composer and celebrated organist known for his virtuosic keyboard works. Born in Lyon in 1694, he was a child prodigy who entered the Paris conservatory and quickly gained recognition. He served as organist at Sainte-Chapelle and later at Notre-Dame Cathedral, where his improvisations drew large audiences. Daquin composed numerous pieces for organ, harpsichord, and chamber ensembles, including the popular 'Le Coucou' from his Suite of Noëls. His music blends ornate Baroque style with expressive melodies, influencing subsequent generations of composers. Renowned for his technical skill and creativity, he remained a central figure in Parisian musical life for over five decades.

Ary Scheffer was a Dutch-French Romantic painter celebrated for his expressive literary and historical scenes. Born in 1795 in Dordrecht, he moved to Paris, where he studied under Baron Gros and integrated into the artistic circles of the July Monarchy. His works, such as 'The Temptation of Christ' and 'Francesca da Rimini,' garnered acclaim for their dramatic storytelling and emotional intensity. Scheffer also taught at the École des Beaux-Arts, influencing a generation of young artists. He was a friend of influential figures like Alfred de Vigny and Franz Liszt, reflecting his broad cultural impact. His art bridged Dutch precision and French Romanticism, securing his legacy in 19th-century European painting.

Franjo Krežma was a Croatian violin prodigy and composer whose brief but brilliant career captured European audiences. Born in Osijek in 1862, he debuted as a concert violinist at age ten, touring major cultural centers across the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Krežma composed several virtuosic works for violin, showcasing his technical mastery and expressive lyricism. He received acclaim in Vienna, Berlin, and Paris before his untimely death from tuberculosis at age 18 in 1881. Despite his short life, his performances and compositions left a lasting impression on late Romantic music. He is remembered as one of Croatia’s earliest international musical stars.

Born on February 3, 1857, in Paris, Alfred Bruneau was trained as a cellist at the Paris Conservatoire. He performed extensively before turning to composition under the patronage of Emile Zola. Bruneau's operatic works, including L'Attaque du moulin and Messidor, blended vivid realism with rich orchestration. He championed new literary collaborations, setting works by Zola and other contemporary writers to music. As a cellist, he premiered several of his own chamber pieces and concertos. Bruneau taught composition at the Conservatoire and influenced a generation of French musicians. He died on June 15, 1934, leaving a legacy of innovative operas and orchestral music.

Born on May 6, 1880, in Aschaffenburg, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner studied architecture before turning to painting. In 1905, he co-founded the artist group Die Brücke in Dresden, pioneering German Expressionism. Kirchner's bold use of color and distorted forms captured the energy of urban life and the human figure. After World War I, he moved to Davos, Switzerland, where he created introspective works reflecting his struggles with mental health. His notable paintings include Street, Berlin and Self-Portrait as a Soldier, which conveyed psychological tension. Kirchner's style influenced modern art movements and inspired future generations of artists. He died on June 15, 1938, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century painting.

Alfred Cortot (1877–1962) was a Swiss virtuoso pianist and conductor renowned for his expressive performances. He co-founded the École Normale de Musique de Paris, shaping generations of pianists with his master classes. Cortot's recordings of Chopin, Schumann, and Debussy are still admired for their poetic depth and nuance. As a conductor, he led esteemed ensembles across Europe, bringing his artistic vision to orchestral works. His teaching and performances left an indelible mark on 20th-century classical music.

Wes Montgomery (1925–1968) was a groundbreaking American jazz guitarist whose unique thumb-picking method produced a warm, melodic tone. He rose to prominence in the 1950s with albums such as The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery. Montgomery's inventive chordal harmonies and fluid improvisations influenced generations of guitarists in jazz and popular music. He achieved wider commercial success in the 1960s with orchestrated recordings that expanded jazz's audience. Despite his career being cut short, his artistry continues to shape modern guitar playing.

Meredith Willson (1902–1984) was an American playwright, composer, and conductor celebrated for Broadway's The Music Man. The 1957 production won five Tony Awards and became a staple of musical theater. Willson began his career as a flutist and piccoloist with John Philip Sousa's band before arranging and composing for radio and big bands. He also founded and led community concert bands, broadening access to live music. His enduring melodies and inventive stagecraft have made him a beloved figure in American entertainment.

Chuck Menville began his career in animation during the 1960s and quickly became known for his inventive storytelling. He worked with major studios on beloved series such as Scooby-Doo and The Real Ghostbusters. Menville's talents extended to live-action/animation hybrids, and he produced influential shorts that gained a cult following. As a screenwriter, he co-wrote and developed scripts that combined humor, adventure, and mystery. His creative vision helped define the look and feel of animated TV in the 1970s and 1980s. Colleagues remember him as a passionate artist dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the medium. Menville passed away on June 15, 1992, leaving a lasting mark on television animation.

Brett Whiteley was born in Sydney in 1939 and became one of Australia's most influential artists. His work blended abstraction and figuration with bold colors and fluid lines. Whiteley won the prestigious Archibald Prize twice and exhibited internationally in London and New York. His iconic pieces, such as the "Interior with Time Bomb," challenged traditional boundaries and reflected his personal explorations. He was known for his adventurous spirit, traveling extensively to find inspiration in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Whiteley also experimented with sculpture and photography, demonstrating his versatility. He struggled with personal demons but continued to produce groundbreaking art until his death on June 15, 1992.

Manos Hatzidakis was born in Xanthi, Greece in 1925 and became a pivotal figure in 20th-century music. His song "Ta Paidia tou Peiraia," known internationally as "Never on Sunday," won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1960. Hatzidakis composed works ranging from symphonies and operas to film scores and theatre music. He explored Greek folk melodies and modernist techniques, creating a unique musical language. As a theorist, he wrote extensively on the role of culture and tradition in contemporary composition. Hatzidakis also served as the Artistic Director of the Athens Festival, promoting arts and culture globally. He died on June 15, 1994, leaving a rich legacy in both academic and popular music spheres.

Ella Fitzgerald rose from humble beginnings in Virginia to become one of the most celebrated jazz singers in history. Discovered at the Apollo Theater in 1934, she perfected the art of scat singing and earned a remarkable three-octave vocal range. Fitzgerald collaborated with icons such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie, and her "Songbook" series set the standard for jazz interpretation. She won 13 Grammy Awards and sold over 40 million albums over her seven-decade career. Known for her warm tone, impeccable diction, and joyful performances, Fitzgerald broke barriers for African American artists. Her influence extends across genres and generations of musicians. Ella Fitzgerald passed away on June 15, 1996, leaving a timeless legacy in music.