June 22

Born in Pistoia in 1684, Francesco Manfredini pursued studies in music and theology. He was ordained as a priest and later appointed Maestro di Cappella at the Ferrara Cathedral. Manfredini composed concerti grossi and violin sonatas that reflected the Italian Baroque style. His published works, particularly Op. 3, gained recognition among musicians and collectors. After a period of obscurity, his music experienced a revival in the 20th century. He died in 1762, leaving contributions to both sacred and instrumental Baroque repertoire.

Étienne Méhul was one of the foremost composers of the French Revolutionary era, celebrated for his dramatic operas and instrumental music. He studied under Gossec and quickly gained fame with works like 'Euphrosine' and 'Stratonice'. Méhul's innovative orchestration and melodic inventiveness helped bridge the Classical and Romantic periods in France. He was appointed composer to Napoleon's court and wrote patriotic songs during the Revolution. Today, he is recognized for his contributions to the evolution of French opera and orchestral style.

Oskar Fischinger (1900–1967) was a German-American artist and filmmaker celebrated for his groundbreaking work in abstract animation and visual music. He created dynamic, rhythmic films that synchronized geometric shapes and colors to musical compositions long before mainstream animation embraced such techniques. His work influenced the development of motion graphics and experimental film. After emigrating to the United States in the 1930s, Fischinger continued to push creative boundaries, collaborating with composers and experimenting with new technologies. His legacy endures in the fields of animation, art, and visual design.

Billy Wilder (1906–2002) was an Austrian-born American filmmaker whose career spanned six decades. He co-wrote and directed classics such as 'Double Indemnity,' 'Sunset Boulevard,' and 'Some Like It Hot,' showcasing his sharp wit and storytelling mastery. Wilder’s films combined satire, drama, and romance, earning him multiple Academy Awards for writing and directing. He collaborated with top actors and screenwriters, shaping the golden age of Hollywood cinema. Wilder’s influence extends to modern filmmakers, and his work continues to be studied for its craft and innovation.

Anne Ziegler was an acclaimed English soprano whose elegant voice captivated audiences in operettas and concerts. Alongside her husband, tenor Webster Booth, she became one of Britain's most beloved singing duos of the era. They starred in West End musical productions and recorded numerous best-selling duets. Ziegler's repertoire ranged from classical arias to light operatic numbers, showcasing her versatility and charm. After relocating to South Africa in the 1950s, she continued to perform and teach, leaving a lasting impact on vocal arts.

Born in Voorburg, Dolf van der Linden founded the Metropole Orchestra in 1945 under the Dutch radio network VARA, creating a unique ensemble that blended jazz, dance, and light classical repertoire. He composed film scores and popular tunes, and his recordings were celebrated throughout Europe. Van der Linden conducted the orchestra for over three decades, elevating it to international acclaim. He also served as a Eurovision conductor for the Netherlands. Knighted in the Order of Orange-Nassau, his legacy endures in Dutch musical history. He died in 1999.

Born in Little Falls, Minnesota, Randolph Hokanson studied at the University of Washington and the Paris Conservatory before debuting in 1938. He earned international acclaim for his interpretations of Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff, touring across North America and Europe. A dedicated teacher at the University of Washington, he influenced generations of pianists. Hokanson recorded numerous albums well into his later years, demonstrating enduring technique and passion. Celebrated for his lyrical touch and scholarly insight, he remained active in music until his passing at age 102 in 2018.

Bill Blass began his career in couture working for Anne Klein and other New York designers. He established the Bill Blass Group in 1970, creating a timeless American look marked by clean lines and luxury fabrics. Blass expanded into fragrances, accessories, and licensing, making his brand internationally renowned. He received the Coty American Fashion Critics’ Award multiple times for his innovative and wearable designs. Known for his polished yet practical aesthetic, he dressed celebrities and First Ladies, shaping American fashion in the late 20th century. Blass retired in 1999 but left a lasting legacy as one of the first American designers to build a global fashion empire.

José Giovanni began his career as a novelist, drawing on his own tumultuous experiences to write vivid crime stories. He transitioned to cinema in the 1960s, directing films such as "Le Trou" and collaborating with major French actors. Giovanni’s narratives often explored themes of loyalty, justice, and redemption against criminal backdrops. He wrote screenplays for acclaimed directors like Jean-Pierre Melville, cementing his reputation in European cinema. His work earned critical praise for its taut storytelling and atmospheric tension. Throughout his career, he published over 50 books, influencing both literary and film circles with his dark, authentic voice.

George Englund began his Hollywood career as an editor on landmark films including George Stevens’ "A Place in the Sun". He directed a variety of motion pictures and television episodes, showcasing a versatile storytelling style. Englund produced features and documentaries, balancing commercial appeal with humanistic themes. He occasionally appeared on screen, bringing personal insight to his roles in film and theater. Married to actress Cloris Leachman for over three decades, he was deeply embedded in Hollywood circles. His multi-faceted contributions to cinema left a broad legacy behind the camera and in front of it.

Kris Kristofferson is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor who rose to fame in the late 1960s with songs that became standards in country and rock music. He wrote Me and Bobby McGee, Help Me Make It Through the Night, and Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down, earning him induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As a performer, his gritty voice and poetic lyrics redefined modern songwriting. Kristofferson also forged a successful acting career, starring in films such as Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore and A Star Is Born. His heartfelt performances and songwriting have left an enduring impact on both music and film.

Hermeto Pascoal is a Brazilian composer, accordionist, and multi-instrumentalist whose groundbreaking work defies musical categorization. Nicknamed O Bruxo (The Sorcerer), he has incorporated everyday sounds and unconventional instruments into jazz and Brazilian folk music. Pascoal’s compositions span over 50 albums, showcasing his virtuosity on piano, flute, and percussion. He has collaborated with renowned artists such as Miles Davis, Santana, and Flora Purim. His creativity and fearless experimentation have earned him status as a visionary in contemporary music.