July 20

Jakob Haibel was born in Graz in 1762 and trained as a singer and musician. He became a celebrated tenor at the Vienna Court Opera, praised for his vocal range and dramatic expressiveness. Haibel also composed numerous operas and Singspiele, including Die Wirtin von Hall and Il bottega d'un cieco. His works were characterized by memorable melodies and vivid characterizations. He collaborated with leading playwrights and librettists of his day. Beyond composition, Haibel taught voice and served as a church musician. He died in 1826, remembered as a key figure in Vienna’s musical life during the classical period.

Max Liebermann was one of the foremost German Impressionist painters, celebrated for his vibrant depictions of domestic scenes, portraits, and landscapes. Born to a wealthy Jewish family in Berlin, he studied art in Weimar, Paris, and the Netherlands, where he absorbed the techniques of the Barbizon School. His works often portrayed rural workers, bourgeois life, and leisure activities with loose brushwork and subtle color harmonies. In 1920, he became President of the Prussian Academy of Arts, advocating for modern art against conservative critics. Despite facing growing antisemitism under the Nazi regime, Liebermann remained active in the art community until his death in 1935. Today, his paintings are held in major museums worldwide, and he is remembered as a pioneer of German Impressionism.

Philomène Belliveau was a Canadian painter and illustrator who gained acclaim for her evocative depictions of maritime landscapes and rural life in the Atlantic provinces. Born in New Brunswick, she studied art locally before exhibiting her work at regional and national exhibitions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her use of color and composition conveyed both the ruggedness and tranquility of her surroundings. Belliveau also contributed illustrations to local publications, helping to promote Canadian cultural identity. She mentored young artists and played a role in founding art societies in her community. Her work remains an important record of Canada's maritime heritage and artistic development.

Giorgio Morandi studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Bologna and developed a unique style focused on simple objects like bottles and vases. He explored the interplay of light, shadow, and muted color to create quiet, meditative compositions. Morandi resisted avant-garde trends, choosing instead to refine his approach over decades of work in isolation. His paintings influenced modern art movements, including minimalism and abstraction. He continued teaching and exhibiting internationally until his death, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century art.

László Moholy-Nagy was born in 1895 in Bácsborsód, Hungary, and initially studied law before turning to art. He joined the Bauhaus school in Weimar in 1923, where he led the metal workshop and developed groundbreaking experiments in photography, including his famous photograms. His interdisciplinary approach spanned painting, photography, sculpture, typography, and industrial design. In 1937, he emigrated to the United States and founded the New Bauhaus design school in Chicago. Moholy-Nagy's work emphasized the integration of art, technology, and industry, leaving a profound impact on modern visual culture. He published several essays and books outlining his theoretical vision for art and design education. He died in 1946, but his legacy endures through the institutions and movements he helped to shape.

Vilém Tauský was a Czech-born conductor and composer who established a distinguished career in the United Kingdom. After emigrating to the UK in the 1930s due to the rise of Nazism, he became known for his work with the Carl Rosa Opera Company and the BBC Welsh Orchestra. Tauský composed music for films, ballets, and theatre productions, showcasing his versatility across genres. His interpretations of Czech composers earned him critical acclaim and he championed British music through numerous premieres. Throughout his life, he was recognized for his dedication to fostering young talent and expanding the repertoire of opera and orchestral music.

José Zabala-Santos was a leading figure in the golden age of Philippine comics, creating beloved characters and narratives that shaped the local cartoon industry. Writing under the pen name JZ Santos, he produced humorous comic strips such as Kosme the Cop which entertained readers across newspapers and magazines. As an illustrator, he brought to life vivid scenes that captured the imagination of children and adults alike. Beyond comics, Zabala-Santos authored children's books and designed educational materials, leaving a lasting impact on Philippine visual storytelling. His work inspired generations of comic artists and solidified his legacy in the nation's cultural history.

Cindy Walker was a prolific American songwriter whose compositions became standards in country music. Over her five-decade career, she wrote hits such as You Don't Know Me, Bubbles in My Beer and Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream). Walker's songs were embraced by artists ranging from Gene Autry to Bob Wills, showcasing her versatility and melodic gift. Starting as a performer and dancer in Texas, she transitioned to songwriting in Hollywood, quickly earning respect for her lyrical authenticity. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1997, Walker's influence persists through the countless covers and tributes to her work. Her legacy highlights the power of skillful storytelling and memorable melodies.

Born in 1924 in Akron, Ohio, Lola Albright began her career as a nightclub singer before transitioning to acting in Hollywood. She appeared in films such as 'Champion' and 'The Stratton Story', showcasing both her dramatic range and musical talent. Albright gained widespread recognition as Edie Hart on the television series 'Peter Gunn', earning an Emmy nomination for her performance. Her smoky singing voice was featured on several jazz recordings, blending seamlessly with her on-screen persona. Throughout the 1960s and beyond, she continued to work in film, television, and theater, leaving a mark as a versatile performer. Albright's legacy endures through her memorable roles and distinctive vocal style until her death in 2017.

Mort Garson was born in Montreal in 1924 and began his musical career as an arranger and conductor in Hollywood. In the late 1960s, he became one of the first composers to explore the Moog synthesizer, creating a series of groundbreaking electronic albums. His 1976 release 'Mother Earth's Plantasia' combined whimsical melodies with the new synthesizer technology, earning it a cult following. Garson also wrote songs for pop artists and scored television and film projects, showcasing his versatility across genres. He remained active in music production and composition until his passing in 2008. Garson's innovative work paved the way for future generations of electronic musicians.

Born in Dresden in 1927 and raised in Austria, Michael Gielen studied piano and composition at the Vienna Music Academy. He led major orchestras including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the SWR Symphony Orchestra Baden-Baden and Freiburg. Gielen championed contemporary music, premiering works by composers such as Stockhausen and Boulez alongside classical masterpieces. His recordings received critical acclaim for their precision, depth, and innovative approach to score interpretation. In addition to conducting, Gielen composed works reflecting his modernist sensibilities and contributed to music education through masterclasses worldwide.

Born Hazel Masterson in 1929, she trained as a social worker and studied piano before marrying future Prime Minister Bob Hawke. As Spouse of the Prime Minister from 1983 to 1991, she lent her voice to social causes and patronized cultural institutions. Hawke championed environmental conservation, mental health awareness, and community welfare initiatives. Her public role balanced ceremonial duties with genuine activism, bringing attention to grassroots organizations across Australia. After leaving the official residence, she continued her philanthropic work and was celebrated for her warmth and dedication until her passing in 2013.