September 15

Ignazio Prota (1690–1748) was a prominent Italian composer in Naples. He composed numerous sacred works, including masses and motets. Prota also wrote secular cantatas and instrumental pieces that reflected the Baroque style. As an educator, he taught at conservatories in Naples and mentored emerging composers. His pedagogical texts contributed to music teaching in the 18th century. Though fewer of his works survive, they showcase his mastery of melody and counterpoint.

Halfdan Kjerulf (1815–1868) was a leading figure in 19th-century Norwegian Romantic music. He composed piano pieces, songs, and choral works that drew on national folk traditions. As a journalist, Kjerulf wrote music criticism and poetry for Oslo newspapers. His melodic style and harmonic innovation influenced later Norwegian composers such as Edvard Grieg. Kjerulf championed Norwegian cultural identity through both his compositions and writings. Though his life was cut short by illness, his contributions helped shape a national musical voice.

Jenő Hubay was a child prodigy who studied at the Paris Conservatoire and rose to fame as a virtuoso violinist across Europe. He composed numerous works for violin, including concertos and salon pieces that remain part of the standard repertoire. As a professor at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest, he trained a generation of leading violinists. Hubay emphasized technical mastery and expressive interpretation in his teaching methodology. He also founded the Budapest Quartet, contributing to the city's vibrant chamber music scene. His compositions and pedagogical legacy continue to influence violin performance and education. Hubay is remembered as a central figure in 19th-century European music.

Born in 1863, Horatio Parker studied in Europe before returning to the United States. He joined the faculty at Yale University in 1894 and became a driving force in American musical education. Parker composed operas, choral works, and orchestral pieces, blending European Romanticism with American themes. He founded the Yale Glee Club and led the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, championing classical music nationwide. His students included prominent composers of the next generation. Parker's legacy endures through his compositions and his influential teaching career.

Bruno Walter (1876–1962) began his career in Germany, serving as a conductor at Bayreuth and the Munich State Opera. He championed works by Mahler, Mozart, and Strauss, earning acclaim for his nuanced interpretations. Emigrating to the United States in the 1930s to escape Nazi persecution, he became music director of the New York Philharmonic. Walter made numerous celebrated recordings and guest-conducted major orchestras worldwide. His lyrical approach and deep musical insight influenced generations of musicians. He remained active as a conductor and educator until his death, leaving a legacy of distinguished performances and recordings.

Ernest Bullock was an English organist, composer, and educator whose career significantly influenced British church music. Born in 1890, he served as organist at Rochester Cathedral before becoming Master of Music at Westminster Abbey in 1936. Bullock composed choral works, organ pieces, and anthems that remain in the repertoire of cathedrals worldwide. He also taught at the Royal College of Music and mentored many young musicians. Knighted for his services to music, he continued to compose and perform until his death in 1979.

Frank Martin was a Swiss composer and pianist known for blending traditional tonality with contemporary techniques. Born in 1890 in Geneva, he studied at the Geneva Conservatory and later in Germany, where he developed his distinctive musical voice. Martin's compositions include operas, chamber music, and choral works such as the 'Mass for Double Choir'. His use of twelve-tone rows within a tonal framework set him apart from his contemporaries. A respected teacher and performer, he influenced Swiss and European music until his death in 1974.

Silpa Bhirasri, born Corrado Feroci in 1892, was an Italian sculptor who became a pivotal figure in 20th-century Thai art. After moving to Siam (now Thailand) in the early 1920s, he adopted the name Silpa Bhirasri and founded the Department of Fine Arts. Bhirasri taught at what became Silpakorn University, mentoring generations of Thai artists. He created major public works, including the Victory Monument in Bangkok. His dedication to art education and national culture earned him recognition as the father of modern Thai sculpture before his death in 1962.

Roy Acuff (1903–1992) was an influential American country music singer, fiddler, and Grand Ole Opry star often hailed as the King of Country Music. Born in Greeneville, Tennessee, he popularized classics like Great Speckled Bird and Wreck on the Highway, helping bring country music to mainstream audiences. In 1942, he co-founded Acuff-Rose Music Publishing, which introduced songwriters such as Hank Williams. Acuff's heartfelt vocals and dynamic performances defined the traditional country sound. He hosted a long-running radio show, inspired countless artists, and was among the first inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1962.

Walter E. Rollins penned numerous popular songs throughout his career, most famously co-authoring 'Frosty the Snowman' with Steve Nelson in 1950. His work spanned genres, and his tunes became enduring parts of American popular culture, especially during the holiday season. Rollins collaborated with various artists and contributed memorable melodies and lyrics that resonated with audiences. Although much of his later life was private, his legacy lives on through his timeless compositions that continue to be recorded and performed decades after their creation.

Born Richard Sheik, 'Kid Sheik' Colar began performing in New Orleans’ Storyville district as a teenager, mastering the traditional jazz trumpet. He played with numerous legendary brass bands and revival groups, preserving the authentic sounds of early jazz through live performances and recordings. His energetic playing and dedication to the city’s musical heritage made him a beloved figure in the jazz community. Into his eighties, Kid Sheik continued to perform at festivals worldwide, earning recognition for his role in keeping New Orleans jazz alive. His recordings and mentorship of younger musicians have cemented his status as a key link to jazz’s formative years.

Henry Brant was born in Montreal in 1913 and later settled in New York City. He studied composition and became a leading figure in experimental music. Brant pioneered spatial music, arranging performers in different locations throughout the concert hall. He received a Pulitzer Prize in 2002 for his Concerto for Wind Ensemble. Over his career, he composed more than 150 works spanning orchestral and chamber repertoire. Brant also worked as a conductor and educator, influencing generations of contemporary composers. He died in 2008, leaving a lasting legacy in classical music.