September 27

Born in Paris in 1834, Degas initially trained as a classical painter before embracing the avant-garde movement. He is best known for his pastel drawings and oil paintings of ballet dancers, capturing the grace and movement of his models. Degas also explored subjects such as horse races, women at their toilette, and urban life. His experimental compositions and use of perspective broke traditional artistic conventions. Later in life, he turned to sculpture, creating works like 'Little Dancer of Fourteen Years'. Degas's keen observation of human form and movement made him a pioneer in modern art. He died in 1917, leaving behind a vast body of work that continues to influence artists worldwide.

Born in 1843 in Madrid to Italian parents, Patti became one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 19th century. She made her debut in Italy at the age of 16 and soon captivated audiences across Europe and America. Patti’s rich, agile voice and impeccable technique earned her legendary status at venues such as Covent Garden and the Metropolitan Opera. She was known for her interpretations of bel canto roles by Donizetti and Bellini. Patti commanded some of the highest fees of her time and amassed considerable wealth. After retiring from the stage, she engaged in philanthropy and music education. She died in 1919, remembered as one of opera’s greatest divas.

Born in 1854, Humperdinck studied under Richard Wagner and Jacques Offenbach before developing his own musical voice. His opera 'Hansel and Gretel' premiered in 1893 and quickly became a staple of the operatic repertoire due to its memorable melodies and orchestrations. He also composed orchestral works, songs, and choral music, and served as director of music at Weimar. Humperdinck was a respected music educator and held professorships at several German conservatories. His work blended Romantic traditions with innovative harmonic language. He died in 1921, leaving a lasting impact on late-Romantic opera and German music education.

Born in 1855, Gray studied at Cambridge University and later became Organist and Choirmaster at Trinity College, Cambridge. He composed anthems, services, and part-songs that remain part of the Anglican choral tradition. His works include the popular anthem 'Adam lay ybounden' and several organ voluntaries. Gray was also a respected music lecturer and served as Professor of Music at Cambridge. His compositions blended classical form with Romantic expression, earning admiration from his contemporaries. He died in 1935, leaving a body of sacred music still performed today.

Gerald Finzi (1901–1956) was an English composer known for his expressive melodies and affinity for English poetry. His body of work includes orchestral tone poems, chamber music, and song cycles set to texts by Thomas Hardy and other poets. Finzi co-founded the Newbury Festival in 1945, promoting music performance and education in rural England. He was a dedicated teacher, influencing a generation of young composers through his lectures and mentorship. Finzi's warm harmonies and pastoral style continue to resonate with audiences and performers worldwide.

Jimmy McCulloch was born in 1953 in Scotland and showed prodigious guitar talent from an early age. He gained initial fame with Thunderclap Newman, co-writing their hit "Something in the Air" in 1969. In 1974, he joined Paul McCartney’s Wings and contributed to albums like "Venus and Mars" and "Wings at the Speed of Sound". McCulloch's melodic playing and songwriting skills made him a standout musician in the rock scene. After leaving Wings, he formed his own band and recorded sessions with various artists. Tragically, he died of a drug overdose in 1979 at the age of 26.

Cliff Burton was born in 1962 in Castro Valley, California, and rose to fame as the bassist for Metallica starting in 1982. His innovative bass solos on albums such as "Kill 'Em All", "Ride the Lightning", and "Master of Puppets" revolutionized heavy metal bass playing. Burton's aggressive style and melodic sensibility made him a standout musician in the thrash metal scene. He was known for his adventurous spirit and often performed on an upside-down bass during shows. Burton tragically died in a bus accident in Sweden in 1986 at the age of 24, but his influence continues to inspire bassists worldwide.

Zhang Leping was born in Ningbo, China in 1910 and began his artistic career drawing newspaper illustrations. His most famous creation, the 'Sanmao' series, depicted the struggles of a homeless orphan during wartime China, resonating deeply with readers across generations. Over his six-decade career, he used his art to comment on social issues and human resilience. Zhang’s innovative storytelling and expressive style helped establish modern Chinese comics as a respected art form. He mentored young artists and contributed to the development of Chinese visual culture until his death in 1992.

Fraser MacPherson was born in Vancouver in 1928 and emerged as a leading voice in Canadian jazz. Known for his warm tone and expressive improvisation, he performed with international stars like Dizzy Gillespie and led his own ensembles. A dedicated teacher, MacPherson joined the faculty of the University of British Columbia, mentoring generations of jazz artists. He recorded numerous albums that showcased his melodic approach and deep swing feel. In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed to the Order of Canada. MacPherson’s legacy lives on through his recordings and the many musicians he inspired before his death in 1993.

Born in Munich in 1915, Walter Trampler emigrated to the United States and quickly established himself as a leading violist. He served as principal violist for the New York Chamber Orchestra and was a founding member of the Bach Aria Group. Known for his warm tone and precise technique, Trampler performed with major orchestras and chamber ensembles worldwide. He held professorships at prestigious institutions such as Juilliard and Yale, mentoring generations of string players. His recordings and pedagogical writings significantly enriched the viola repertoire. Trampler’s influence endures through his students and the enduring quality of his performances until his death in 1997.

Dale Houston (1940–2007) rose to fame alongside his musical partner Grace Broussard as the duo Dale & Grace. Their 1963 cover of "I'm Leaving It Up to You" topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming one of the year's biggest hits. Houston's blend of pop harmonies and country-infused melodies captured the spirit of early 1960s American music. He and Grace performed on popular television shows of the era, including American Bandstand, and toured extensively. Although follow-up releases did not match their initial success, their legacy endures among fans of classic pop and country crossover music.

Kenji Nagai (1957–2007) was a veteran Japanese photographer and journalist who covered international conflicts and human rights issues. He gained global attention when he was tragically killed by security forces while documenting the Saffron Revolution protests in Yangon, Myanmar. Nagai's powerful images captured the human cost of political unrest and earned him posthumous recognition for journalistic bravery. Over his career, he worked for various international news agencies, bringing critical stories from hotspots such as East Timor and Kosovo. His legacy endures through his evocative photographs, which continue to inspire photojournalists worldwide.