September 10

Lanier studied in France and Italy, bringing continental styles to the English court. He served under monarchs James I and Charles I, composing masques and church music. As the first official Master of the King's Music, he oversaw royal musical performances. Lanier was also an accomplished painter and art collector, influencing Baroque aesthetics in England. He died in 1666, remembered for his contributions to English Baroque music and culture.

Born in 1659, Henry Purcell served as organist at Westminster Abbey and the Chapel Royal, becoming one of England's most celebrated composers. He composed iconic works such as the opera 'Dido and Aeneas', sacred anthems, and instrumental fantasias that blended English tradition with French and Italian influences. Purcell's mastery of melody and harmony influenced generations of musicians and solidified his reputation as a central figure of Baroque music. His vibrant compositions continue to be performed worldwide. He died in 1695 at the age of 36.

Born in 1714 in Aversa, Niccolò Jommelli rose to prominence as a master of opera seria, infusing his works with dramatic flair and rich orchestration. He held prestigious posts in Naples and later at the court of Stuttgart, where he influenced German sacred music with Italian elegance. Jommelli's innovative choruses and instrumental writing foreshadowed the Classical era. Across his career, he composed over 80 operas alongside masses and oratorios. He died in 1774, remembered as a pivotal figure in 18th-century music.

Born in 1753, Sir John Soane revolutionized neoclassical architecture with his inventive use of light and space. He designed the early Royal Academy building and London's Freemasons' Hall, introducing top-lit galleries and dramatic interior effects. As the first Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy, he educated a generation of architects and delivered influential lectures. A devoted collector of architectural models and antiquities, he bequeathed his home as the Sir John Soane's Museum, where his unique vision remains on display. He died in 1837, leaving a lasting architectural legacy.

Marianne von Werefkin was born in Tula, Russia in 1860 and studied painting at the Moscow School of Painting. In 1896, she moved to Munich with her companion Alexej von Jawlensky and became a pivotal figure in the city's vibrant art scene. She was a founding member of the influential Der Blaue Reiter group and exhibited alongside artists like Wassily Kandinsky. Werefkin's work is celebrated for its bold colors, emotive brushwork, and innovative approach to landscape and portrait painting. Despite facing gender bias, she gained recognition in Switzerland after settling in Ascona in the 1920s. Her paintings are held in major European museums and continue to inspire modern Expressionism enthusiasts. She passed away in 1938, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy.

Herbert Johanson (1884–1964) was an Estonian architect renowned for his modernist building designs. He studied civil engineering and architecture in St. Petersburg and later returned to Estonia to contribute as a designer and lecturer. Johanson's portfolio includes public buildings, residential houses, and urban planning projects that combine functionality with streamlined aesthetics. He introduced European modernist principles to Estonia and influenced a generation of architects. His legacy endures in the Tallinn cityscape, where his structures remain landmarks of early modern architecture.

Israel Abramofsky (1888–1976) was a Russian-born American painter celebrated for his expressive cityscapes and vibrant color palette. He studied art in Europe before emigrating to the United States, where he developed a distinctive style characterized by bold brushwork and vivid hues. Abramofsky exhibited his works in galleries across America and Europe, capturing the energy of urban life and everyday scenes. His paintings are held in museum collections and continue to inspire visual artists. He is remembered for blending European modernist influences with American realism.

Born in Rome in 1890, Elsa Schiaparelli became one of the most influential couturiers of the 20th century. She introduced bold designs such as the lobster dress and the shocking pink colour, challenging traditional fashion norms. Schiaparelli collaborated with avant-garde artists including Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau, integrating surrealism into haute couture. She opened her couture house in Paris in 1935 and attracted a clientele of high society and Hollywood stars. Her legacy influenced designers like Christian Dior and continues to inspire modern fashion. She passed away in 1973.

Alexander Dovzhenko was born in 1894 in Sosnytsia, Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire. He began his career as a novelist before entering the Soviet film industry in the 1920s. Dovzhenko directed landmark films such as Zvenigora, Arsenal, and Earth, blending folklore, symbolism, and innovative montage techniques. His lyrical visual style and thematic focus on Ukrainian peasantry influenced generations of filmmakers. He also wrote screenplays and essays on cinema theory, shaping Soviet film practice. Dovzhenko died in 1956, leaving a lasting impact on world cinema.

Born in Berlin in 1897, Hilde Hildebrand studied voice and drama before making her film debut in the early 1930s. She gained acclaim for her roles in musical comedies and operettas on both stage and screen. Known for her graceful presence and warm contralto voice, she toured extensively across Germany and Europe. After World War II, she returned to theatre and continued to act in films well into the 1950s. Her career spanned over four decades, influencing a generation of German entertainers. She passed away in 1976, leaving behind a legacy of memorable musical performances.

Raymond Scott was born in Brooklyn in 1908 and became a celebrated pianist, composer, and bandleader. He gained fame in the 1930s with his ensemble, the Raymond Scott Quintette, whose intricate and lively arrangements stood out from traditional swing. Scott was a pioneer in electronic music, developing early synthesizer prototypes and unique performance instruments. His composition 'Powerhouse' became iconic through its use in animated cartoons and commercials. Over his career, he founded Manhattan Research Inc. to further his experimental sound designs. Scott's inventive blend of jazz, classical, and electronic elements continues to influence modern musicians and composers.

Robert Wise was born in 1914 in Winchester, Indiana, and began his career as an editor at RKO Pictures before transitioning to directing. Over a five-decade career, he directed a diverse range of films, including science fiction landmark 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' (1951) and horror classic 'The Haunting' (1963). Wise won Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for 'West Side Story' (1961) and again for Best Picture for 'The Sound of Music' (1965). He also produced notable films, fostering new talent and innovative storytelling. Wise co-founded The Film Foundation to preserve classic cinema and served as president of the Directors Guild of America. His versatility across genres and commitment to film preservation left a lasting impact on Hollywood.