July 24

Born in 1757 in Mirgorod (modern Ukraine), Vladimir Borovikovsky studied icon painting before moving to Saint Petersburg. He became one of the most sought-after portraitists of the Russian Empire, favored by Empress Catherine the Great and the aristocracy. His works are celebrated for their refined detail, subtle characterization, and blend of Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Borovikovsky’s legacy includes over 500 portraits that offer a window into the personalities and fashions of late 18th- and early 19th-century Russia. He died in 1825, leaving an enduring mark on Russian art.

Born in 1803 in Paris, Adam studied at the Paris Conservatoire and quickly gained fame as a composer. His 1841 ballet 'Giselle' remains a cornerstone of the classical ballet repertoire. Adam also composed over 50 operas and numerous songs, showcasing his gift for melody and drama. As a music critic, he wrote extensively on contemporary opera and contributed to various Parisian journals. His works influenced Romantic music, and his carol 'O Holy Night' continues to be sung worldwide during the holiday season.

Alphonse Mucha studied art in Munich and Paris, where he developed his signature ornamental style. He rose to fame with theatrical posters for Sarah Bernhardt, featuring graceful figures and elaborate floral motifs. Mucha’s work became synonymous with Art Nouveau, influencing graphic design, advertising, and decorative arts across Europe. He later devoted himself to The Slav Epic, a monumental series celebrating Slavic history and mythology. His legacy endures in museums, design schools, and the continued popularity of his richly decorative aesthetic.

Ernest Bloch studied composition in Geneva and Paris before emigrating to the United States in 1916. He taught at prestigious institutions such as the Cleveland Institute of Music and the University of California, Berkeley. Bloch’s major works include the Schelomo cello concerto, the Baal Shem Suite, and two symphonies, all noted for their emotional intensity. He received numerous honors, including the Paderewski Medal, and influenced generations of American composers. His music continues to be celebrated for its depth, color, and spiritual resonance.

Born in Alabama in 1900, Zelda Sayre married author F. Scott Fitzgerald and became a muse for the Jazz Age. She published the novel 'Save Me the Waltz' in 1932, offering a fictionalized view of her own life. Fitzgerald also studied ballet and created numerous paintings, developing a unique artistic voice. Despite her talents, she struggled with mental health and spent years in and out of care. Zelda's life and work have since been reevaluated, earning recognition for her contributions to literature and art. She died tragically in a hospital fire in 1948.

Born in Budapest in 1910, Horner emigrated to the United States in the 1930s and established himself in Hollywood. He won Oscars for Best Art Direction on 'The Heiress' (1949) and Alfred Hitchcock's 'North by Northwest' (1959). Horner also directed episodes of television series and designed sets for Broadway productions. His work is noted for its architectural precision and atmospheric detail. Later in his career, he taught set design at the University of California. Horner's influence endures in both film and theater production design.

Robert Farnon was a talented Canadian composer and conductor whose career spanned radio, film, and television. He wrote memorable themes for movies such as 'Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N.' and produced popular orchestral albums in the easy listening genre. Farnon worked with leading jazz musicians and arranged works for artists including Frank Sinatra. His skillful orchestration and harmonic richness earned him three Ivor Novello Awards and a Grammy nomination. He served as musical director for the BBC and toured widely as a conductor. Farnon's elegant compositions and arrangements continue to influence film scoring and popular music orchestration.

Ruggiero Ricci was an American violinist celebrated for his extraordinary technique and fiery interpretations, particularly of Niccolo Paganini's violin concertos and caprices. He made his debut at age nine and went on to record the complete 24 Caprices by Paganini as a teenager, setting a new standard for violin performance. Ricci performed with leading orchestras around the world and collaborated with eminent conductors. He also dedicated himself to teaching at institutions such as the Salzburg Mozarteum and Indiana University. Ricci's extensive discography and master classes influenced generations of violinists. His legacy endures in the many students he mentored and the recordings that continue to inspire musicians globally.

Born in Sicily, he rose to fame after winning a national singing competition in 1946. He made his operatic debut at La Scala, quickly becoming one of the leading tenors of his generation. Acclaimed for his interpretations of Puccini and Verdi roles, his signature performances included 'Madama Butterfly' and 'La Traviata.' He recorded extensively alongside celebrated sopranos such as Maria Callas. Over a five-decade career, he graced the world's major opera houses in Europe and the United States. His numerous recordings remain benchmarks of 20th-century opera and continue to inspire new audiences.

Born in Greenville, North Carolina and raised in Washington, D.C., he began playing piano as a child. He formed his own trio in the 1950s, touring Europe and recording critically acclaimed albums. He composed the jazz standard 'I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free.' He hosted jazz programs on NPR, bringing the genre to a wider audience. He founded Jazzmobile, a nonprofit presenting free concerts in urban communities. He also served as artistic director for jazz at the Kennedy Center, earning numerous awards for his contributions to music and education.

Born in Manchester, he studied composition at the Royal College of Music. He wrote scores for film and television, including the theme for the popular series 'Rising Damp.' His concert works span symphonies, chamber music, and choral compositions. He received honors from the Ivor Novello Awards and the Arts Council of Great Britain. He drew on his Jewish heritage in works such as the oratorio 'The Chosen.' Over a career of more than four decades, he collaborated with leading ensembles and soloists.

Alex Katz (born July 24, 1927) is an American painter and sculptor known for his vibrant, large-scale portraits and minimalist landscapes. He emerged from the New York art scene of the 1950s and 1960s, forging a unique style that bridged Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. Katz's signature approach emphasizes flat areas of bold color, simplified forms, and an emphasis on line and silhouette. In addition to oil painting, he has produced prints, sculptures, and paper cutouts that reflect his aesthetic. His work has been exhibited in major institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate in London. Over a career spanning more than six decades, Katz has influenced generations of artists with his innovative techniques.