December 20

Pieter de Hooch (1629–1684) excelled as a genre painter in the Dutch Golden Age. He is best known for his masterful treatment of light in courtyards and domestic interiors. De Hooch’s precise use of perspective influenced contemporaries such as Johannes Vermeer. His compositions balance meticulous detail with harmonious arrangements of figures and space. After early success in Delft, financial hardship led him to relocate to Amsterdam. His work endures for its quiet elegance, technical sophistication, and intimate portrayals of daily life.

Pietro Raimondi (1786–1853) was an innovative Italian composer renowned for his mastery of counterpoint. He composed elaborate fugues and stacked choir works that redefined polyphonic composition. Raimondi’s theoretical treatises on counterpoint influenced 19th-century music pedagogy. He held prestigious posts as maestro di cappella in Genoa and Naples, earning wide respect. His monumental triple oratorios could be performed separately or in simultaneous fusion. Though less performed today, his ingenuity garnered admiration from peers like Rossini.

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet (1792–1845) was a French artist renowned for depictions of Napoleonic soldiers. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts, he developed a distinctive lithographic style full of character. His illustrations captured post-revolutionary France’s spirit through dynamic military scenes. Charlet taught at the Atelier Libre, mentoring a generation of 19th-century French painters. His engravings and prints became staples in illustrated books, journals, and popular prints. His work embodies romantic nationalist sentiment and technical finesse of his era.

Ivana Kobilca was born in 1861 in Ljubljana and became a leading Slovenian painter. She studied in Vienna and Munich, absorbing influences from Realism and Impressionism. Kobilca gained acclaim for her luminous portraits, still lifes, and rural landscapes. Her mastery of light, color, and composition brought emotional depth to her work. She exhibited widely across Europe, securing her reputation on the international art stage. As a mentor and advocate for art education, she supported younger artists in Slovenia. Kobilca died in 1926, leaving a lasting legacy as one of Slovenia's greatest painters.

Elsie de Wolfe was born in New York City in 1865 and began her career on the stage. She performed as an actress in the 1880s before turning to interior decoration. Rejecting Victorian excess, she introduced light, functional design concepts for domestic interiors. De Wolfe founded one of the first professional interior decorating firms, serving elite clients. Her book, The House in Good Taste (1913), became a design classic and manifesto. Through her salons and writings, she elevated interior decoration to a respected profession. She influenced generations of designers and helped establish the modern field of interior design. De Wolfe died in 1950, celebrated for her contributions to theater and design.

Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, Hadley studied music at the New England Conservatory and in Europe. He composed operas, orchestral tone poems, chamber music, and songs. He served as conductor of the San Francisco Symphony and later the New York Philharmonic. Hadley championed American composers by programming contemporary works in his concerts. His contributions helped establish a distinct American orchestral tradition.

Born in Bordeaux, Arnaud studied piano at the Paris Conservatoire before moving to England. She achieved success as a concert pianist before transitioning to acting in London’s West End. Arnaud starred in comedy plays, musicals, and films, earning the nickname "The First Lady of the Theatre." Her versatility extended to radio broadcasts and television appearances. The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford stands as a testament to her enduring influence on British arts.

Paul Francis Webster wrote lyrics for over 1,500 songs across four decades, becoming one of Hollywood's most prolific songwriters. He won three Academy Awards for Best Original Song, including for 'Secret Love' (1953) and 'The Shadow of Your Smile' (1965). His collaborations with composers like Sammy Fain and Johnny Mandel produced enduring classics that remain standards. Before his songwriting career, Webster served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He also contributed to Broadway musicals and films, leaving a lasting legacy in American popular music history.

Beverly Pepper was born in New York City in 1922 and initially pursued a career as a painter. In the 1950s, she moved to Italy and began experimenting with sculptural forms. Pepper became known for her large-scale works using corten steel, aluminum, and stone, often integrated into outdoor spaces. Her pieces such as "Steel Tondo" and "The Broken Column" have been exhibited at major venues, including the Venice Biennale. She also taught at various art institutions and inspired generations of women artists. Pepper's innovative approach bridged modernism and the natural environment, earning her international acclaim.

Born in 1939 in Detroit, Kim Weston signed with Motown Records in the early 1960s and quickly established herself with hits such as "Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)." She is celebrated for her collaborations with Marvin Gaye, particularly the classic duet "It Takes Two." Weston left Motown in 1967 to pursue an independent career, exploring various musical styles and performing globally. Over the years, she has released solo albums showcasing her versatile voice and soulful delivery. Weston continues to inspire artists and fans with her contributions to the golden age of soul music.

Born in 1942 in Brisbane, Australia, Roger Woodward studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music before advancing his training in Europe. He is renowned for premiering groundbreaking compositions by Xenakis, Stockhausen, and Carter, expanding the modern piano repertoire. Woodward has performed with leading orchestras and at major festivals worldwide. In addition to his work as a pianist, he has conducted ensembles, taught at prestigious institutions, and recorded extensively. A passionate advocate for social justice, he co-founded Days in Music to foster intercultural dialogue and has supported human rights causes through benefit performances. Woodward’s career blends artistic innovation with meaningful activism.

Peter Criss (born December 20, 1945) is an American singer-songwriter, drummer, and producer. He co-founded the iconic rock band Kiss in the early 1970s, adopting the 'Catman' persona that became his trademark. Criss provided lead vocals on the band's 1976 hit ballad 'Beth', which showcased his versatility beyond the drum kit. After departing Kiss, he pursued a solo career that included several albums and tours. Criss was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the original Kiss lineup in 2014, cementing his legacy in rock music history.