July 28

Born in Venice in 1678, Antonio Vivaldi was ordained as a priest and nicknamed 'The Red Priest' due to his hair. He spent much of his career teaching and composing at the Ospedale della Pietà, a girls’ orphanage famous for its musical training. Vivaldi composed over 500 concertos, numerous operas, sonatas, and sacred works. His vivid violin concertos, especially 'The Four Seasons,' revolutionized the form and remain staples of the classical repertoire. He died in Vienna on July 28, 1741, leaving a profound impact on Baroque music.

Johann Sebastian Bach was born in Eisenach in 1685 into a family of musicians and quickly distinguished himself as a keyboard virtuoso. He held positions in Weimar and Köthen before becoming Cantor of the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, where he composed much of his sacred music. Bach’s prolific output includes the Brandenburg Concertos, The Well-Tempered Clavier, the Mass in B minor, and over 300 cantatas. Renowned for his mastery of counterpoint and harmonic innovation, he influenced generations of composers after him. He passed away on July 28, 1750, leaving a musical legacy that continues to inspire performers and listeners worldwide.

Born in 1775 in Uusikaupunki, Bernhard Crusell became one of Finland’s first internationally recognized composers and clarinetists. He studied in Paris under renowned masters and brought the French clarinet style to the Nordic countries. Crusell composed concertos, chamber pieces, and operas, often featuring the clarinet in innovative ways. He served as principal clarinet at the Royal Swedish Opera and influenced the development of wind music in Scandinavia. Crusell died on July 28, 1838, leaving a repertoire that continues to be celebrated by clarinetists and orchestras worldwide.

Édouard-Henri Avril was a versatile French painter renowned for his fine illustrative style. He contributed to various artistic and literary publications with vivid imagery. Avril's works often displayed meticulous attention to detail and elegance in composition. His illustrations captured a range of subjects with both grace and clarity. His artistic legacy influenced late 19th- and early 20th-century French illustration.

Marie Dressler was a charismatic Canadian-American performer who captivated audiences with her comedic talent and singing voice. She began her career on the stage before transitioning to silent films and early talkies. Dressler's larger-than-life screen presence and warmth endeared her to the public during Hollywood's Golden Age. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Min and Bill", showcasing her dramatic range. Her success broke barriers for character actresses and paved the way for future generations of women in film.

Frank Loesser was an acclaimed American composer and lyricist whose work energized Broadway in the mid-20th century. He wrote the music and lyrics for classics such as "Guys and Dolls", "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying", and "The Most Happy Fella". Loesser won Academy Awards for his songs in the film "Guys and Dolls" and was honored with Tony Awards for his theatrical scores. Known for his witty lyrics and memorable melodies, he collaborated with leading performers and producers. Beyond Broadway, Loesser composed music for motion pictures and radio. His songs remain standards in the American musical theatre repertoire.

Charles E. Pont was a French-American minister and painter celebrated for his delicate landscape lithographs and watercolors. After serving as a Unitarian minister, he dedicated himself to art, capturing the serene beauty of New England scenes. His prints and paintings were featured in exhibitions and publications, earning him recognition in both clergy and art circles. Born in France, he studied art in Paris before emigrating to the United States. Pont’s dual career lent a contemplative depth to his work, blending spirituality with visual artistry. Today, collectors prize his prints for their technical precision and tranquil charm.

Helen Traubel was an American soprano best known for her rich, dramatic interpretations of Wagnerian roles at the Metropolitan Opera from the 1930s to the 1950s. She achieved acclaim singing Isolde, Brünnhilde, and other demanding parts, earning her a reputation as "America's greatest Wagnerian soprano." After retiring from opera, Traubel transitioned to radio, television, and musical theater, delighting audiences nationwide. She also authored an autobiography and became a popular guest on talk shows. Traubel’s commanding stage presence and vocal power left a lasting mark on both classical and popular entertainment. Her career bridged the worlds of opera and mainstream media, inspiring future generations of performers.

Charles Shadwell was an English conductor and bandleader celebrated for popularizing dance music in Britain during the 1930s and 1940s. Leading orchestras for EMI and the BBC, he brought swing and light music to radio audiences across the country. Shadwell’s ensembles performed regularly on BBC Wireless, making him a household name. He arranged and recorded numerous hits, blending jazz influences with British dance traditions. After World War II, he continued to tour and broadcast, sustaining the public’s appetite for live orchestral music. His contributions helped shape the sound of British popular music in the mid-20th century.

Keith Green was an American pianist, singer, and songwriter who became a pioneering figure in contemporary Christian music. Launching his career in the 1970s, he released several acclaimed albums blending gospel themes with rock and folk influences. Green was known for his electrifying live shows and lyrics that challenged listeners to live out their faith. He founded Last Days Ministries to support missions and charitable work. Tragically, Green died in a plane crash in 1982 at the age of 28. His posthumous releases and ministry continue to inspire Christian artists and audiences worldwide.

Born in 1920 in Southland, New Zealand, Colin Horsley studied at the Royal College of Music in London. He became renowned for his interpretations of works by Britten, Schumann, and Sibelius. Horsley premiered and recorded compositions by Lennox Berkeley, expanding the piano repertoire. He taught at prestigious institutions and nurtured generations of musicians. His contributions bridged New Zealand and European musical traditions.

Born in 1924 in Rotterdam, Rita Reys rose to prominence in the 1950s with her smooth delivery and English-language jazz standards. She collaborated with legends like Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespie, and Oscar Peterson, and her albums achieved both critical and commercial success. Reys performed at major jazz festivals worldwide and was honored with numerous awards, including the Order of Orange-Nassau. Her career spanned over six decades, influencing generations of European jazz singers. She died in 2013, leaving a legacy as a jazz pioneer.