November 22

Libéral Bruant was a leading 17th-century architect who studied at the Académie Royale. He was appointed premier architect of the Hôtel des Invalides by Louis XIV. Bruant designed the distinctive façade and chapel of Les Invalides, blending classical and Baroque motifs. His work influenced subsequent generations of French architects and urban planners. He died in 1697, leaving a lasting mark on Paris's architectural heritage.

Sir Arthur Sullivan was born in 1842 in London and showed musical talent from an early age. Educated at the Royal Academy of Music and Leipzig Conservatory, he combined precise craftsmanship with melodic richness. Sullivan's enduring fame comes from his partnership with librettist W.S. Gilbert, creating hits like H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, and The Mikado. These comic operas blended witty satire with memorable tunes, captivating audiences across Britain and America. Beyond his work with Gilbert, Sullivan composed church music, the oratorio The Light of the World, and the grand opera Ivanhoe. He was knighted in 1883 for his contributions to music. Sullivan's versatility and melodic genius set high standards for English composers in the Victorian era. He passed away in 1900, leaving a legacy of artistry that continues to delight theaters worldwide.

Lorenz Hart was born in 1895 in New York City and formed a legendary songwriting partnership with composer Richard Rodgers. Together, they created timeless standards such as "My Funny Valentine", "The Lady Is a Tramp", and "Blue Moon". Hart’s clever wordplay, sophisticated rhymes, and emotional depth set a new bar for American musical theater. Despite personal challenges, he produced an impressive body of work that remains integral to the Great American Songbook. Hart died in 1943, but his lyrics continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

Born in Fahan, County Donegal, Norah McGuinness studied in London and Paris, absorbing European modernist influences. Her work, characterized by bold colors and simplified forms, depicts the Irish landscape and urban scenes with distinctive abstraction. She exhibited widely with the Royal Hibernian Academy and served as its first female president from 1974 to 1978. McGuinness also illustrated Irish literary works and taught at art schools, mentoring a new generation of artists. In 1977 she received the accolade of Saoi of Aosdána, Ireland's highest artistic honor. She passed away in 1980, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of Irish modernist painting.

Born in 1902 in Guadalajara, Luis Barragán blended modernist principles with Mexican architectural traditions. His work emphasized light, color, and emotional simplicity, creating contemplative spaces. Signature projects include Casa Barragán and the Chapel of Capuchinas, now UNESCO World Heritage sites. He won the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1980 for his influential designs. Barragán's legacy endures as a pioneer of minimalist and emotionally resonant architecture. He died in 1988, leaving a lasting impact on global architectural practice.

Born in 1924, Tatiana Nikolayeva won the inaugural International Bach Competition in 1950. She premiered Shostakovich's Second Piano Concerto and championed contemporary Soviet composers. Nikolayeva taught at the Moscow Conservatory, shaping generations of pianists. Her recordings of Bach's preludes and fugues remain definitive interpretations. She passed away in 1993, leaving an enduring legacy in performance and pedagogy.

Born in 1936, Terence Donovan rose to fame as part of the 'Black Trinity' of 1960s British photography. He shot for leading publications like Vogue and transformed fashion imagery with his dynamic style. Donovan also directed commercials and music videos, bringing his photographic eye to film. His portraits of cultural icons captured the spirit of an era and influenced future photographers. He died in 1996, remembered for shaping modern fashion photography with his daring vision.

Born in 1960, Michael Hutchence co-founded INXS and led the band to international success. Known for hits like 'Need You Tonight' and 'New Sensation', his stage presence captivated millions. Hutchence also pursued solo projects, collaborating with artists across genres. His powerful voice and dynamic performance style made him a rock icon in the 1980s and 1990s. He died in 1997, leaving a legacy as one of Australia's most influential musical figures.

Norman Granz (1918–2001) was an American jazz impresario, concert promoter, and record producer. He founded Jazz at the Philharmonic in 1944, bringing jazz musicians to concert halls worldwide. In 1956, he launched Verve Records, signing legends such as Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson. Granz championed racial integration, insisting on desegregated audiences and equal pay for African-American artists. He produced hundreds of recordings, influencing the global appreciation of jazz music. Granz's legacy endures through his pioneering work in music promotion and civil rights advocacy.

Sena Jurinac (1921–2011) was a Bosnian-born Austrian soprano renowned for her versatile vocal artistry. A principal artist at the Vienna State Opera from 1947 to 1976, she excelled in roles by Mozart, Strauss, and other composers. Jurinac performed at major venues including the Salzburg Festival, La Scala, and the Royal Opera House. Her recordings of operas such as Die Zauberflöte and Der Rosenkavalier remain highly regarded. After retiring from the stage, she taught at the Vienna Music Academy, guiding the next generation of opera singers.

Paul Motian (1931–2011) was a pioneering American jazz drummer and composer. He gained prominence in the late 1950s as the drummer in the Bill Evans Trio, contributing to landmark recordings like Portrait in Jazz. Over his career, Motian led his own ensembles, blending traditional jazz with avant-garde and free improvisation. He recorded influential albums for ECM Records, such as Conception Vessel and Psalm, showcasing his compositional talent. Motian's subtle, melodic drumming style influenced generations of musicians and earned him critical acclaim.

Georges Lautner was one of France's most prolific film directors, active from the 1950s through the early 2000s. He gained fame for his sharp humor and crime comedies, collaborating with celebrated screenwriters such as Michel Audiard. His breakthrough work, the 1963 film Les Tontons flingueurs, has become a cult classic in French cinema. Over his career, Lautner directed more than fifty films across genres including thrillers and action dramas. He often wrote or co-wrote his screenplays, showcasing a keen ear for dialogue and pacing. His films are celebrated for their stylish cinematography, memorable characters, and enduring influence. Lautner’s legacy continues to inspire French filmmakers and comedy writers around the world.