July 11

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1834, Whistler attended West Point before dedicating himself to art. He studied in Paris and later made London his home, developing a subtle, harmony-focused style known as tonalism. His iconic work 'Arrangement in Grey and Black No.1' (1871), colloquially called 'Whistler’s Mother', remains one of the most recognized portraits in art history. A leader of the Aesthetic Movement, he famously sued critic John Ruskin for libel, winning the case in 1878. Whistler’s etchings and lithographs demonstrated his command of line and composition. He authored 'The Gentle Art of Making Enemies', chronicling his artistic philosophies and feuds. He died in 1903, leaving a legacy that bridged traditional technique and modern sensibility.

Born in Campinas, Brazil in 1836, Gomes displayed musical talent from an early age. He studied composition at the Milan Conservatory, where his opera 'Il Guarany' premiered in 1870 to international acclaim. Gomes skillfully fused Italian operatic tradition with Brazilian folk influences, creating a distinctive national voice. 'Il Guarany' became one of the first successful operas by a composer from the Americas. He later served as chapel master in Campinas and taught the next generation of Brazilian musicians. His body of work includes operas, cantatas, and sacred music that influenced Latin American classical repertoire. Gomes was honored by Emperor Pedro II for his contributions to Brazilian culture. He died in 1896, remembered as the first New World composer to achieve worldwide recognition.

Henry Matthew Brock was a British painter and illustrator born in 1875. He produced intricate color plates for novels and periodicals, including editions of Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Brock's delicate line work and subtle palette brought literary scenes to life. He exhibited at major London galleries and contributed illustrations to The Strand Magazine. His craftsmanship and narrative style influenced early 20th-century illustration and book design.

Boris Grigoriev was a Russian painter and illustrator born in 1886. He studied at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts and became known for his vivid landscapes and emotionally charged portraits. Grigoriev's work blended Russian folk motifs with modernist techniques. He illustrated literary works and exhibited across Europe, gaining international recognition. His dynamic use of color and form reflected the social and cultural currents of early 20th-century Russia.

Manuel Serrapí Sánchez (1904–1972), known as Niño Ricardo, was born in Seville and became one of flamenco’s greatest guitarists. Mentored by legends like Ramón Montoya, he developed a distinctive playing style that combined traditional flamenco forms with inventive rhythms and melodies. Ricardo composed numerous bulerías, soleás, and tangos that remain staples in flamenco repertoire. Throughout his career, he recorded prolifically and toured extensively, sharing his art across Spain and beyond. His technical mastery and creative vision inspired future flamenco greats, cementing his status as a foundational figure in the genre.

Born in Romania in 1912, Sergiu Celibidache studied under luminaries such as Sergiu Koussevitzky before launching his conducting career. He became music director of the Berlin Philharmonic in 1945 and later led the Munich Philharmonic to international acclaim. Known for his meticulous rehearsals and aversion to studio recordings, Celibidache emphasized the ephemeral nature of live performance. He explored the connections between music, acoustics, and phenomenology, teaching these ideas throughout Europe. In addition to his conducting, he composed orchestral works that reflected his spiritual and philosophical interests. His legacy endures through his students and live recordings that capture his unique interpretative insights. Celibidache passed away in 1996 after a lifetime devoted to musical excellence.

Born in 1918 in Utica, New York, Krenkel became a prominent illustrator for fantasy and science fiction magazines. He collaborated with artists like Wally Wood and Al Williamson, contributing to iconic comic stories and book covers. Krenkel's intricate pen-and-ink style influenced the look of mid-20th century speculative fiction. He worked on adaptations of Edgar Rice Burroughs' tales and illustrated classic pulp magazines and paperbacks. His artistic legacy endures among collectors and artists who admire his technical precision and imaginative designs. Krenkel passed away in 1983, leaving behind a body of work celebrated for its craftsmanship.

Charles Chaynes (1925–2016) was a French composer whose career spanned over five decades. He won the prestigious Grand Prix de Rome in 1956, cementing his reputation in the classical music world. His works include symphonies, chamber pieces, and film scores noted for their lyrical expressiveness and refined orchestration. Chaynes served as general secretary and later president of SACEM, advocating for composers' rights. His collaborations with leading soloists and ensembles brought contemporary French music to international audiences. Even after retirement, his compositions continued to be performed, reflecting a deep engagement with musical tradition and innovation.

Nicolai Gedda (1925–2017) was a Swedish operatic tenor revered for his linguistic versatility and expansive repertoire. He performed in over 100 roles spanning five languages, from Mozart and Rossini to Strauss and Stravinsky. Gedda made more than 200 recordings, making him one of the most recorded tenors in history. His elegant vocal technique and musical intelligence earned him leading positions at major opera houses such as the Metropolitan Opera and Covent Garden. A respected recitalist, he championed art song in Swedish, French, German, and Russian. Gedda's career longevity and dedication to artistry influenced generations of singers.

Herbert Blomstedt (born 1927) is a Swedish conductor renowned for his clear interpretations and longstanding leadership of top orchestras. He served as music director of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, and the Staatskapelle Dresden. Blomstedt's repertoire spans from Baroque to contemporary, emphasizing structural clarity and expressive nuance. He has made numerous acclaimed recordings of Bruckner, Brahms, and Nielsen symphonies. Known for his humility and insight, he has mentored younger conductors and musicians worldwide. His remarkable longevity and artistry have made him one of the most respected maestros of his generation.

Born in 1928, she founded the Philippine Madrigal Singers in 1963 and led them to international acclaim. Under her direction, the choir won top prizes in prestigious competitions around the world. Her innovative approach to choral arrangement and training set new standards in vocal ensemble performance. She was affectionately known as Mama Vega by her students. Throughout her career, she championed Filipino music and culture on the global stage. She received numerous awards for her contributions to the arts before her passing in 2014.

Born in 1929, Danny Flores performed under the stage name Chuck Rio and co-founded The Champs. In 1958, he wrote and sang the memorable vocal line on the instrumental track "Tequila," which became a number one hit. His distinctive saxophone sound and songwriting helped shape early rock and roll. Although he never achieved the same level of chart success again, the song "Tequila" remains an enduring classic. Flores continued to perform and record regionally until his death in 2006. His contribution to music history is remembered by fans worldwide.