November 26

Johannes Bach was born in Erfurt in 1604 into a family with a rich musical tradition. He served as organist at St. George’s Church in Eisenach before moving to Arnstadt. His compositions included chorales, organ preludes, and motets in the early Baroque style. He established the musical foundation that would flourish under his descendants, including Johann Sebastian Bach. Respected for his virtuosity, he influenced Thuringia’s musical circles and court ensembles. He mentored musicians and ensured the Bach name became synonymous with musical excellence. Johannes died in 1673, leaving a lasting legacy as the patriarch of one of history’s greatest musical families.

Scott Bradley was an American pianist, composer, and conductor born in 1891. He served as musical director for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer animation studios in the 1940s and 1950s. Bradley crafted memorable scores for beloved cartoons, including Tom and Jerry and Droopy. His inventive use of jazz, classical motifs, and avant-garde techniques elevated animated storytelling. Over his career, he composed music for over 200 theatrical shorts, earning admiration from peers. Bradley’s dynamic orchestrations helped define the sound of Golden Age animation. He retired in the late 1960s and passed away in 1977, leaving a lasting musical legacy.

Alice Herz-Sommer was a Czech-English pianist and music teacher, celebrated as the world's oldest Holocaust survivor. Born in Prague, she performed across Europe before being interned in Theresienstadt concentration camp, where she gave over 100 concerts to uplift fellow prisoners. After surviving the Holocaust, she emigrated to Israel and later the UK, continuing her career as a beloved performer and educator. Herz-Sommer's memoir and documentary, 'The Lady in Number 6,' highlight her optimism and love for music. She credited her longevity and resilience to her devotion to piano and a positive outlook. Her story inspires countless individuals through its testimony to the healing power of art.

Inge King studied sculpture in Berlin and Milan before migrating to Australia in 1948, where she became a leading figure in modernist art. She co-founded the influential artist collective Centre Five in 1961, advocating for contemporary sculpture across Australia. King is best known for her dynamic, abstract metal sculptures, including the landmark work "Forward Surge" in Melbourne's City Square. Her commissions can be found in public spaces and galleries throughout Australia and abroad. Over a career spanning more than seven decades, she championed geometric forms and spatial relationships, earning an Order of Australia in 2003. King's work continues to inspire new generations of sculptors.

Earl Wild was a child prodigy who made his orchestral debut at age 18 and went on to perform with major symphonies worldwide. He was renowned for his interpretations of Romantic repertoire and his dazzling transcriptions of works by composers like Gershwin, Rachmaninoff, and Stravinsky. Wild premiered and championed contemporary piano works and was a dedicated teacher at institutions such as the Juilliard School. He recorded over 100 albums, earning acclaim for his clarity, speed, and expressive depth. In addition to performing, he composed original piano pieces and arrangements that remain popular with pianists today. His contributions to piano performance have left a lasting legacy in the classical music world.

Nesuhi Ertegun joined Atlantic Records in the 1950s and played a pivotal role in its rise as a leading label for jazz and rhythm & blues. He produced landmark albums by artists such as John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Ray Charles, expanding the label's musical diversity. As vice-president of Atlantic, he helped sign groundbreaking acts including Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding. Ertegun's keen ear for talent and innovative production techniques earned him a reputation as one of the music industry's most influential figures. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. His legacy endures in the timeless recordings that continue to inspire musicians and listeners.

Daniel Petrie began his career directing live television dramas in the 1950s before transitioning to feature films. He made his film debut with "A Raisin in the Sun" (1961), starring Sidney Poitier, bringing Lorraine Hansberry's play to the screen with critical acclaim. Petrie directed more than 50 films and television movies, including "Fort Apache, The Bronx" and "Sybil," often tackling social issues and complex characters. His work earned him multiple Emmy nominations and a Directors Guild of America award. As a producer, he championed diverse talent and stories that addressed civil rights and family dynamics. Petrie's career spanned half a century, leaving a legacy of impactful storytelling.

Charles M. Schulz was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1922. After serving as a radar operator in World War II, he pursued cartooning and won his first newspaper strip in 1947. In 1950 he launched 'Peanuts', which ran for nearly 50 years and appeared in over 2,600 newspapers worldwide. His minimalist drawing style and poignant humor resonated with audiences of all ages. Schulz received numerous accolades, including multiple Reuben Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He drew the final 'Peanuts' strip on the day of his death in 2000, leaving a legacy that endures across generations.

V. K. Murthy was born in Mysore in 1923 and studied photography before entering the film industry. He became a key collaborator of director Guru Dutt, crafting moody visuals in films such as 'Pyaasa' (1957) and 'Kaagaz Ke Phool' (1959). Murthy won India's first National Film Award for Best Cinematography for 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam' in 1963. His innovative use of lighting and composition influenced generations of filmmakers and cinematographers. Over a career spanning five decades, he worked on more than 50 films, earning widespread acclaim. He published his memoir and received numerous lifetime achievement honors before his death in 2014.

George Segal was born in New York City in 1924 and studied painting at the Pratt Institute. In the late 1960s, he developed his signature technique of wrapping live models in plaster bandages to create sculptures. His works, often painted white, capture candid moments of ordinary people in urban settings. Segal's installations appeared in public spaces and major galleries, influencing the Pop Art movement. He also produced paintings and works on paper that reflected his understated approach to form and color. He received the National Medal of Arts in 1999 and left a lasting artistic legacy upon his death in 2000.

Eugene Istomin was born in New York City in 1925 to Bulgarian immigrant parents. He studied at the Curtis Institute of Music and made his professional debut at Carnegie Hall at age 16. Istomin won the Leventritt Award in 1949, launching an international career that spanned seven decades. He formed the renowned Istomin-Stern-Rostropovich Trio, acclaimed for its profound musicality. His repertoire ranged from Bach and Mozart to Prokofiev, earning praise for his technical mastery and sensitivity. He taught at various conservatories and received numerous honors before his death in 2003.

Arturo Luz was born in 1926 in Manila and studied under Filipino master Carlos Francisco. He later attended the Yale University School of Art, where he refined his minimalist style. Luz was a founding member of the Philippine Visual Arts Gallery and served as its first director. His paintings and sculptures often feature clean lines, geometric forms, and a limited color palette. He played a key role in promoting modern art in the Philippines and held exhibitions worldwide. In 1997, he was honored as a National Artist of the Philippines before his death in 2021.