July 27

Born in 1814 in Moscow, Lermontov displayed literary talent from a young age. After the death of Pushkin, his poem 'Death of a Poet' led to his exile, cementing his rebellious reputation. His novel 'A Hero of Our Time' is considered a foundational work of Russian psychological fiction. Lermontov also produced vivid landscape and portrait paintings, reflecting Romantic aesthetics. He explored themes of fate, identity, and the human soul, resonating with generations of writers. He died in a duel at age 26 in 1841, yet left an enduring legacy as 'the poet of the Caucasus'.

Born in 1791 in France, Dassy trained under prominent masters and honed his skills in Paris. He exhibited regularly at the Salon, winning acclaim for his dramatic historical paintings. Dassy embraced lithography, producing detailed prints that expanded access to art. His portraits captured the likenesses of contemporary figures with refined elegance and realism. Through his dual talents, he contributed to the artistic innovations of post-Napoleonic France. He passed away in 1865, remembered for blending academic tradition with the new graphic medium.

Aleksander Kunileid (1845–1875) was a pioneer of Estonian national music. He composed numerous choral works that became emblematic of Estonia's cultural revival. As an educator, he taught music theory and promoted musical education in schools. Kunileid collected folk melodies, preserving Estonia's musical heritage for future generations. His efforts laid the groundwork for the country's renowned choral festival tradition. Despite his early death at 30, his influence on Estonian music endures today.

Ferruccio Busoni (1866–1924) was an Italian musician celebrated for his extraordinary piano technique. He gained fame for his daring transcriptions of Bach's organ works, expanding pianistic possibilities. As a composer, Busoni pioneered modernist approaches, blending Romantic and atonal elements. He served as a conductor in major European cities, championing contemporary music. Busoni's writings on music theory influenced generations of performers and scholars. His extensive legacy continues to shape 20th-century classical music.

Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1858, Alfred Henry O'Keeffe emerged as a key figure in the nation's art scene. He trained at the Dunedin School of Art and absorbed European influences that informed his style. His paintings often focused on the landscapes and people of New Zealand, characterized by expressive brushwork and rich color. In 1890, he joined the staff of the Canterbury College School of Art, where he became a beloved mentor to aspiring artists. O'Keeffe exhibited widely in both local and international venues, earning critical praise for his innovative compositions. He remained active as an educator and advocate for art throughout his life. His work continues to be featured in major New Zealand galleries and public collections.

Born in Tartu in 1902, Karl Pärsimägi studied at the Pallas Art School and embraced expressionism and Fauvist techniques. He traveled to Paris in the late 1920s, where he was influenced by avant-garde movements and developed a vivid palette. On returning to Estonia, he became a leading figure in the local modern art scene, exhibiting his dynamic portraits and landscapes. In 1941, following the Soviet occupation, he was arrested and deported to Siberia. Pärsimägi died in exile in 1942, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire contemporary Estonian artists. His paintings are celebrated for their emotional intensity and innovative approach to color.

Born in Utrecht in 1907, Willem van Otterloo began his musical career as a cellist at the Amsterdam Conservatoire. Transitioning to conducting, he led the Residentie Orchestra in The Hague from 1938 to 1949. He gained international acclaim as principal conductor of the Concertgebouw Orchestra between 1957 and 1959. Van Otterloo was known for his precise technique and interpretations of contemporary Dutch composers. In addition to conducting, he composed orchestral works and chamber music that reflected his modernist leanings. He influenced a generation of musicians through his recordings and guest appearances across Europe and Australia. Van Otterloo passed away on July 27, 1978, leaving a legacy as one of the Netherlands' most versatile musical figures.

Robert James Byrd, known professionally as Bobby Day, was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1928. He rose to fame with the 1958 hit "Rockin' Robin," which became an enduring rock and roll classic. As a multi-talented pianist and singer, Day wrote and recorded for various artists across the R&B and pop genres. He founded and performed with the R&B group The Satellites before launching a successful solo career. Beyond his performances, Day worked behind the scenes as a producer, shaping the sound of early rock and roll. His influence can be heard in the works of later artists who drew inspiration from his energetic rhythms and songwriting.

Born in Sydney in 1911, Max Dupain became one of Australia’s leading photographers with a career spanning over six decades. His most famous work, "Sunbaker" (1937), captured the essence of Australian beach culture and remains an emblematic image of the nation. Dupain co-founded the photographic group 'Contemporary Camera Groupe,' promoting modernist approaches to photography. He worked extensively as an educator at Sydney Technical College, mentoring generations of photographers. Throughout his life, Dupain embraced both commercial and artistic projects, from architectural photography to portraiture. He was honored with the Order of Australia for his contributions before passing away in 1992.

Born in Johannesburg in 1960, Kevin Carter gained international acclaim as a member of the wartime photojournalism group known as the Bang-Bang Club. His Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of a starving Sudanese child being stalked by a vulture became an enduring symbol of humanitarian crisis. Carter’s fearless approach led him to document violence, famine, and disease across southern Africa with unflinching honesty. He faced moral and psychological challenges from witnessing human suffering, often discussing the emotional toll in his notes. Shortly after receiving the Pulitzer Prize in 1994, Carter took his own life at the age of 33. His work continues to provoke debate about the ethics of photojournalism and the responsibilities of those who document tragedy.

Born in Budapest in 1907, Miklós Rózsa studied under Kodály before emigrating to the United States in 1940. He became a leading Hollywood composer, earning Academy Awards for his scores for "Spellbound" (1945), "A Double Life" (1947), and "Ben-Hur" (1959). Rózsa’s lush orchestral music blended Hungarian folk elements with dramatic orchestration, influencing generations of film composers. Beyond cinema, he composed concert works including concertos, symphonic poems, and chamber music. He served as a mentor to young composers through workshops and masterclasses, shaping the future of film music. Rózsa died in 1995, leaving a repertoire that remains a touchstone for cinematic composition.

Harry Edison, nicknamed 'Sweets,' was an influential American jazz trumpeter known for his melodic improvisations and signature muted trumpet style. He rose to prominence as a member of the Count Basie Orchestra, contributing to its defining swing sound. Edison collaborated with jazz greats such as Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald. His studio work in Hollywood showcased his lyrical phrasing and tasteful solos. Edison's subtle approach and technical mastery inspired generations of brass players. He later led his own groups and recorded numerous albums as a bandleader. His recordings became staples in the jazz repertoire. Edison's legacy endures in the worlds of jazz and big band music.