September 23

Born in 1801 in Catania, Bellini displayed musical talent from a young age and studied at the Naples Conservatory. He achieved fame with works like 'Norma', 'La Sonnambula', and 'I Puritani', which showcased his skillful use of soaring vocal lines and emotional intensity. Bellini's operas became staples of the bel canto repertoire, admired for their lyrical elegance. Despite a brief career cut short by his death at age 33, his influence on Italian opera endured, inspiring composers such as Verdi and Donizetti. His music continues to captivate audiences around the world.

Emmanuel Benner (1836–1896) was a French painter celebrated for his masterful portrayal of everyday life. He trained under his father and exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon. His work is characterized by delicate brushwork, nuanced lighting, and a romantic sensibility. Benner often depicted domestic interiors, floral still lifes, and elegant figures. His paintings were appreciated for their emotional depth and technical precision. Today, his works are held in private collections and museums around the world, showcasing the art of 19th-century France.

Born in 1950 in Glasgow, McIntosh began playing drums in local bands before moving to London to pursue a music career. He became a sought-after session musician, working with artists across genres and contributing to numerous studio recordings. McIntosh played with the jazz-rock group Nucleus and later toured with progressive rock ensembles, showcasing his technical skill. His inventive rhythms and powerful style made him a favorite among producers and fellow musicians. Despite his rising star, McIntosh's life was cut short in 1974, depriving the music world of a vibrant talent. His recordings continue to inspire drummers seeking to blend rock energy with jazz sophistication. McIntosh's legacy lives on in the distinctive grooves and performances he left behind.

Sir Malcolm Arnold was born in Northampton in 1921 and trained at the Royal College of Music. He served as principal trumpeter with the London Philharmonic Orchestra before focusing on composition. Arnold wrote over 100 film scores, including the Oscar-winning score for 'The Bridge on the River Kwai.' He composed nine symphonies, numerous concertos, chamber works, and ballets marked by melodic richness and wit. Arnold was knighted in 1993 for his services to music. Despite personal struggles, including battles with depression, his work remains celebrated for its emotional depth and accessibility. He left a lasting legacy as one of Britain's most prolific 20th-century composers.

Etta Baker was born in Caldwell County, North Carolina, in 1913 into a musical family. She began playing guitar as a child, learning traditional Piedmont blues techniques from her father. Baker's delicate fingerpicking and soulful vocals influenced generations of blues and folk musicians. After a period away from recording, she was rediscovered in the 1960s folk revival and released several acclaimed albums. She performed at major festivals and toured internationally well into her eighties. Baker received a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1987. Her legacy endures through her recordings and the students she mentored in traditional blues music.

Born in Montpellier in 1927, Juliette Gréco rose to fame in the cafés of Saint-Germain-des-Prés after World War II. She became the muse of existentialist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, who celebrated her deep, emotive singing style. Gréco recorded acclaimed chansons such as La Javanaise and Déshabillez-moi, and worked with composers including Miles Davis and Serge Gainsbourg. On screen she appeared in films by directors like Jean Cocteau and Joseph Losey, showcasing her dramatic talent. Her career spanned more than six decades, during which she performed around the world and recorded over thirty albums. She was famed for her elegant style and poignant interpretations of poetic lyrics. Gréco died on September 23, 2020, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy.