Georges Prêtre
Orchestral and opera conductor
An orchestral and opera conductor, conducted prestigious orchestras and opera houses around the world. Served as music director for the Paris Opera and led notable performances at La Scala, the Vienna State Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera. Recognized for conducting works by composers such as Verdi, Puccini, and Strauss. Received accolades for skillful interpretations and vibrant conducting style.
Conducted Paris Opera productions
Led performances at La Scala
Worked with the Vienna State Opera
Other People Born on August 14th
Richard Freitag
German ski jumper and World Cup competitor
Born
August 14th, 1991 34 years ago
Competed in ski jumping events, achieving significant success in the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup. Participated in multiple World Championships and Olympic Games, representing Germany. Secured several podium finishes throughout the World Cup seasons, showcasing consistent performance and skill in the sport.
Continue ReadingGuangxu Emperor of China
Emperor and reform advocate
Born
August 14th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
November 14th, 1908 117 years ago — 37 years old
Ascended to the throne at the age of four. Ruled during a time of significant political and social change in China. Advocated for the Hundred Days' Reform in 1898, aiming to modernize China's political and educational systems. The reform efforts met strong opposition from conservative factions within the Qing court. Following a coup led by Empress Dowager Cixi, the reforms were largely reversed, and the emperor was placed under house arrest for the remainder of his life. His reign saw the increasing influence of foreign powers in China.
Continue ReadingAlexander H. Bailey
American lawyer and politician
Born
August 14th, 1817 208 years ago
Died
April 20th, 1874 151 years ago — 56 years old
Appointed to the United States District Court for the District of Illinois, serving as a judge. Engaged in legal practice and represented numerous clients throughout a lengthy career. Elected to the Illinois State Senate, contributing to legislative processes and public policy. Actively involved in various legal and political organizations during tenure.
Continue ReadingDavid Peralta
Venezuelan baseball player, outfielder
Born
August 14th, 1987 38 years ago
Born in Venezuela, a professional baseball player specialized as an outfielder. Debuted in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2014 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Achieved recognition for offensive skills and was selected as an MLB All-Star in 2019. Contributed significantly to the Diamondbacks' performance during his tenure.
Continue ReadingMarsai Martin
American actress and producer
Born
August 14th, 2004 21 years ago
Gained recognition as an actress and producer at a young age. Starred in the hit television series 'Black-ish' as Diane Johnson. As a producer, achieved acclaim for the film 'Little', which was one of the first projects produced by someone under the age of 18. Demonstrated significant talent and entrepreneurial spirit in both acting and film production.
Continue ReadingMaya Jama
British TV presenter and host
Born
August 14th, 1994 31 years ago
Born in 1994, a British television presenter gained recognition through hosting various programs. She achieved prominence as a co-presenter on the BBC Radio 1 show and later became known for her role on the hit show 'Love Island.' Jama also hosted the 'Glow Up' series on BBC Three, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry. Besides television, she has worked in music, collaborating with artists and serving as a DJ at events. Her engaging style and charisma contributed to her growth as a public figure.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 4th
Princess Royal of the United Kingdom
British royal and Olympic equestrian
Born
August 15th, 1950 75 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1931 95 years ago — -20 years old
Born in 1950, this individual is a member of the British royal family. She has actively participated in numerous public engagements and charitable organizations, particularly focusing on sports and youth development. The individual competed in equestrian events, representing Great Britain in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. She has also held various positions within charitable organizations and served as the President of Save the Children UK.
Continue ReadingHumphrey Carpenter
English radio host and author
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
January 4th, 2005 21 years ago — 59 years old
An author and radio host, contributed to literature and broadcasting in England. Authored biographies of prominent authors, including J.R.R. Tolkien, and produced works that examined the worlds of children's literature and poetry. Worked with the BBC, hosting various radio programs that showcased literature and arts. Recognized for insightful analysis and engaging storytelling, which brought literary figures to a broader audience.
Continue ReadingCharlotte Lennox
English author and poet; The Female Quixote
Born
1730 296 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1804 222 years ago — 74 years old
An English author and poet associated with the 18th century, contributed significantly to literature. Wrote 'The Female Quixote' in 1752, a novel that explored themes of gender and social norms through a satirical lens. Additionally, authored 'Henrietta', a novel published in 1758, which further showcased narrative skills and engagement with contemporary issues. Lennox's works often examined the complexities of female identity and perspective, contributing to discussions about women's roles in society. Also known for her poetic contributions, which were published throughout her lifetime, reinforcing her literary stature.
Continue ReadingT. S. Eliot
Poet and playwright, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
September 26th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1965 61 years ago — 76 years old
A prominent poet, playwright, and literary critic, this individual contributed significantly to 20th-century literature. Publications include 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock' and 'The Waste Land', which are considered masterpieces of modern poetry. The individual also wrote plays, including 'Murder in the Cathedral' and 'The Cocktail Party'. As a key figure in literary modernism, engagement with themes of fragmentation and despair marked the work, influencing generations of writers. Received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948, recognized for the substantial contribution to contemporary poetry and drama.
Continue ReadingR. D. Burman
Film composer and music director
Born
June 27th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1994 32 years ago — 54 years old
A significant figure in Indian cinema, this individual contributed to the music of over 300 films. With a career spanning from the late 1950s until the early 1990s, this composer pioneered the integration of various musical styles, including Western and Indian classical music. Collaborations with several prominent filmmakers and artists were marked by a distinctive sound that resonated with audiences. The individual also played a pivotal role in the 1970s and 1980s Bollywood music scene, establishing a legacy that influenced many future composers. Even posthumously, the work continues to be celebrated, reflecting the enduring appeal of the compositions.
Continue ReadingFrank Harary
Mathematician known for graph theory
Born
1921 105 years ago
Died
January 4th, 2005 21 years ago — 84 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of mathematics, particularly in graph theory. Developed and popularized various concepts and terminology in the study of networks and graphs, facilitating further research and applications. Held academic positions at multiple institutions, sharing expertise and guiding students in mathematical disciplines. Published numerous research papers, influencing both theoretical and applied mathematics.
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