October 06

Born in Florence to the renowned composer Giulio Caccini, Settimia was one of the first celebrated female singers of the early Baroque era. She performed at the Medici court and contributed to the development of opera and sacred music in Italy. Her published works include collections of madrigals and sacred motets that display her expressive vocal style. Settimia broke gender norms of her time by achieving recognition as both a performer and composer. Her musical legacy influenced subsequent generations of women in the arts.

Jenny Lind was one of the most famous opera singers of the 19th century, earning the nickname 'the Swedish Nightingale' for her crystalline soprano. Born in Stockholm, she trained at the Royal Swedish Opera and achieved early success in Europe. Lind toured extensively across the continent, performing in major capitals such as Paris and London. In 1850, she embarked on a highly publicized American tour promoted by showman P. T. Barnum. Her concerts raised significant funds for charity, endearing her to audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. Beyond her singing career, Lind briefly acted in theatrical productions and was admired for her philanthropic work. She retired early but remained a cultural icon until her death in 1887.

Karol Szymanowski was born in 1882 in Tymoszówka, then part of the Russian Empire. He studied music in Berlin and was influenced by impressionism and exotic folk traditions. Szymanowski's compositions blended Polish folk melodies with modernist techniques, winning acclaim for works like his Violin Concerto No. 1 and the ballet Harnasie. He also excelled as a concert pianist and teacher, helping establish a distinct Polish musical identity. His innovative style made him one of the most important composers of early 20th-century Europe. Szymanowski's legacy continues to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide.

Edwin Fischer was born in 1886 in Basel, Switzerland. He studied under Ferruccio Busoni and gained renown as a pianist, especially for his interpretations of Bach's keyboard works. Fischer also conducted orchestras and founded the Lucerne Festival orchestra. His recordings of Bach's Goldberg Variations and Mozart concertos remain highly regarded. He taught at the Berlin Hochschule für Musik and mentored a generation of pianists. Fischer's dual career as pianist and conductor helped revive interest in Baroque and Classical repertoire.

Le Corbusier was born Charles-Édouard Jeanneret in 1887 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. He adopted his pseudonym in the 1920s and became a leading figure of modern architecture and urban planning. His designs, including the Villa Savoye and the Unité d'Habitation, exemplified his ideas on functionalist aesthetics and the use of reinforced concrete. Le Corbusier also developed the Modulor scale, a system combining human proportions with architectural harmony. He left a lasting impact through his writings such as Vers une architecture and his role in designing the city of Chandigarh. His innovative vision shaped the course of 20th-century architecture worldwide.

Helen Wills (1905–1998), known as Helen Wills Moody, was an American tennis legend of the 1920s and 1930s. She won 19 Grand Slam singles titles, including eight Wimbledon championships and seven U.S. Championships. Wills remained undefeated for four years and was famed for her powerful groundstrokes and stoic demeanor. After retiring from competition, she studied art and showcased her works in public exhibitions. Wills's athletic prowess and artistic talent cemented her legacy as a multifaceted cultural icon.

Méret Oppenheim was a key figure in the Surrealist movement, best known for her 1936 work 'Object (Breakfast in Fur),' a teacup, saucer, and spoon covered in gazelle fur. She collaborated with artists like Max Ernst and Man Ray, experimenting with unconventional materials to challenge perceptions of function and form. Oppenheim’s multidisciplinary practice included painting, sculpture, photography, and jewelry design. Her work explored themes of desire, femininity, and the unconscious. After periods in Paris and New York, she returned to Switzerland and continued to exhibit internationally. Oppenheim’s influence endures in contemporary art’s embrace of surrealist techniques and conceptual exploration.

Born on the island of Barra in 1928, Flora MacNeil became known as 'The Queen of Gaelic Song' for her rich, emotive voice. She learned her repertoire from local sean-nós singers and helped spark a revival of Gaelic music in the mid-20th century. MacNeil recorded several acclaimed albums, performed at folk festivals worldwide, and collaborated with ethnomusicologists to archive traditional songs. She received an MBE in recognition of her contribution to Scotland’s cultural heritage. Her influence endures through the many artists she inspired until her death in 2015.

Barbara Werle began her career as a singer before transitioning to acting in Hollywood productions. She appeared in musical films and guest-starred on popular TV series such as 'Mannix' and 'The Virginian.' Werle was praised for her versatile talents and warm screen presence. In addition to her performing career, she was active in local theater and community arts programs. Werle's contributions to stage and screen were celebrated by colleagues and fans alike until her passing in 2013.

Dan Christensen rose to prominence in the 1960s New York art scene with his vibrant abstract works, characterized by fluid brushstrokes and bold color fields. He experimented with spray painting techniques, creating 'Baroque' series that blended gestural expressionism with hard-edge color. Christensen exhibited alongside major contemporaries in solo shows at prominent galleries and participated in influential group exhibitions. His work remains in the collections of major museums worldwide, celebrated for its dynamic energy and coloristic innovation.

Alexander Maxovich Shilov is a celebrated Russian artist known for his detailed watercolor portraits. Born in 1943, he studied at the Surikov Institute and rose to prominence in the late Soviet era. Shilov has painted hundreds of works featuring political figures, cultural icons, and everyday citizens. He is a founding member of the Society of Russian Watercolorists and has exhibited his art worldwide. His vivid style blends realism with expressive brushwork, capturing both likeness and character.

Cees Veerman was a Dutch musician and songwriter celebrated for his work with the 1970s pop band The Cats. As lead guitarist and vocalist, he co-wrote hits like "One Way Wind," which topped charts across Europe. The Cats helped shape the Nederpop movement, blending melodic rock with folk influences. After the band disbanded, Veerman pursued solo projects and collaborations within the Dutch music scene. His melodic guitar work and heartfelt lyrics continue to influence pop and soft rock artists in the Netherlands and beyond.