October 27

Born in 1703, Graun studied violin and composition under prominent masters before entering service at the Prussian court. He became Konzertmeister and chamber composer to Frederick the Great, producing numerous concertos, sonatas, and sinfonias. His music combines Baroque expressiveness with early Classical clarity, influencing the empfindsamer Stil. He collaborated with his brother Carl Heinrich Graun and performed throughout Europe, gaining renown as a virtuoso violinist. His surviving works display innovative structures and melodic charm, bridging Baroque and Classical styles. He died in 1771, leaving an important oeuvre that contributed to the evolution of Western art music.

Mary Moser (1744–1819) was a pioneering English painter and one of the first female members of the Royal Academy of Arts. She specialized in floral still lifes and portraiture, showcasing remarkable technical skill and sensitivity. In 1768, Moser became one of only two women admitted as founding members of the Academy. She exhibited her work regularly and taught drawing to students and members of the royal family. Her career challenged the gender norms of 18th-century Britain, leaving a lasting legacy for women artists. Her works are held in collections including the National Portrait Gallery and Yale Center for British Art.

Nancy Storace (1765–1817) was a celebrated English soprano known for her expressive singing and theatrical presence. She studied voice in Italy before joining the court opera in Vienna, where she befriended Mozart. In 1786, she premiered the role of Susanna in 'Le nozze di Figaro,' receiving praise for her vocal agility. Storace enjoyed a successful career in London and Vienna, performing in both opera seria and opera buffa. Her interpretations influenced the development of operatic performance, setting standards for future sopranos. After returning to England, she continued to perform until her retirement in 1808.

Niccolò Paganini (1782–1840) was an Italian violinist and composer celebrated for his dazzling technique and showmanship. He composed 24 Caprices for solo violin, works that remain benchmarks of technical prowess. Paganini toured extensively across Europe, astonishing audiences with feats of speed, precision, and improvisation. Legends of his supposed pact with the devil fueled his mystique, while his innovations influenced generations of musicians. He also composed operatic and chamber works, contributing to the Romantic era's musical evolution. Despite health challenges, his legacy endures through his compositions and the virtuosic tradition he inspired.

Born in Sittingbourne, Kent, in 1865, Charles Spencelayh trained at the Lambeth School of Art. He specialized in finely detailed genre paintings depicting everyday life, often with a warm, nostalgic tone. Spencelayh exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy from 1894, earning recognition for his technical precision. He was elected a member of the Royal Society of British Artists and the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours. His works were popular with collectors, depicting charming interiors and still lifes that captured Victorian sensibilities. Throughout his long career, he balanced academic rigor with a gentle humor in his subjects. He continued painting into his nineties, leaving a legacy of meticulously crafted artworks when he died in 1958.

Born in Denver, Colorado, in 1877, Walt Kuhn studied illustration before turning to fine art. He was a founding member of the Association of American Painters and Sculptors, which organized the landmark 1913 Armory Show. The exhibition shocked American audiences by introducing European avant-garde artists like Picasso and Matisse. Kuhn's own work featured bold portraits and energetic circus scenes, reflecting his interest in popular culture. He taught at the Art Students League of New York, influencing a generation of American modernists. Throughout his career, he championed artistic innovation and helped shape the dialogue around modern art in America. He remained active until his death in 1949, leaving behind both artistic and curatorial legacies.

Born in 1885, Sigrid Hjertén became one of Sweden’s leading modernist painters. She studied at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts before moving to Paris, where she trained under Henri Matisse. Her work is celebrated for its expressive use of color, dynamic forms, and emotional depth. Hjertén married fellow artist Isaac Grünewald and played a central role in introducing avant-garde trends to Scandinavian art. Despite personal struggles with mental health, she remained prolific, creating a distinctive body of work that influenced generations of artists. Today, her paintings are showcased in major Swedish museums and acclaimed for their groundbreaking contribution to 20th-century art.

Born in 1906 in what is now Belarus, Peter Blume emigrated to the United States as a child, where he studied at the Cooper Union and the Art Students League in New York. His work fused the crisp lines of Precisionism with dreamlike Surrealist imagery, creating unique visual narratives. Blume’s most famous paintings include “The Rock” and “Eternal City,” which reflect American industrial and cultural themes. He also worked as a sculptor and taught art, influencing a generation of artists. Blume’s contributions are preserved in major museums, where his striking compositions continue to intrigue viewers.

Lee Krasner was a pioneering American abstract expressionist painter. Born in Brooklyn in 1908, she studied at the Cooper Union and the National Academy of Design. Her dynamic, mosaic-like canvases challenged conventional approaches to composition and color. As a leading female artist in a predominantly male movement, she played a crucial role in the development of postwar American art. Krasner's work gained greater recognition after her husband's death, culminating in major retrospectives at prominent galleries. She influenced generations of artists with her innovative techniques and uncompromising artistic vision.

Roy Lichtenstein was a leading figure in the American Pop Art movement, celebrated for his large-scale, comic book-style paintings that employed Ben-Day dots and bold primary colors. Born in New York City, he served in the US Army during World War II and later earned an MFA from Ohio State University. Lichtenstein's work challenged traditional distinctions between fine art and commercial art, transforming everyday imagery into high art. Iconic works such as "Whaam!" and "Drowning Girl" remain influential symbols of 20th-century art. He also experimented with sculpture and ceramics, expanding his visual vocabulary. His art continues to be exhibited worldwide and has left a lasting impact on contemporary art and popular culture.

Bonnie Lou was a groundbreaking American singer-songwriter who blazed trails in country, rockabilly, and early rock and roll. Born Mary Joan Kath in Towanda, Illinois, she adopted the stage name Bonnie Lou and began her career on Chicago radio in the late 1940s. She achieved national recognition with hits like "Tennessee Wig Walk" and "Hello to Someone," crossing over between country and pop charts. In the 1950s she became one of the first women to record rock and roll, appearing on shows such as Ozark Jubilee and Jubilee USA. Bonnie Lou also performed on the Grand Ole Opry and later on the television variety show Hee Haw, maintaining a career that inspired many female artists in a male-dominated genre. Her innovative blend of styles left a lasting mark on American music history.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jane Connell cultivated her talents in musical theater and comedy. She made her Broadway debut in the original cast of The Threepenny Opera in 1959 and earned acclaim for her performance as Irene Molloy in Hello, Dolly! alongside Carol Channing. Connell also appeared in Cole Porter's Silk Stockings and other musicals, showcasing her vocal and comedic skills. On television, she guest-starred in series such as Designing Women and The Love Boat. Known for her warm stage presence and character-driven humor, Connell enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades. She was beloved by audiences for her spirited performances and ability to light up the stage with her charm.