Wilfrid Pelletier

Pianist, composer, and conductor

Wilfrid Pelletier - Pianist, composer, and conductor
Born

June 20th, 1896
129 years ago

Died

April 9th, 1982
43 years ago — 85 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

Canada

Links & References

Acclaimed as a pivotal figure in Canadian classical music. Contributed significantly as a pianist, composer, and conductor, showcasing expertise in various performances and orchestrations. Served as the music director for the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, elevating the orchestra's prominence in the music scene. Engaged in promoting Canadian music and artists through various initiatives, including collaborations with notable musicians and composers.

Served as music director for the Montreal Symphony Orchestra

Contributed to the first performance of Claude Vivier's work

Conducted the premiere of numerous Canadian compositions

Other People Born on June 20th

Pancho Segura

Ecuadorian tennis player and champion
Born
June 20th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 96 years old

Born in 1921, an accomplished tennis player emerged from Ecuador, capturing attention with a unique playing style. Segura turned professional in 1941 and achieved considerable success on the circuit. In 1950, he won the prestigious French Championships in singles. During the 1940s and 1950s, he competed against some of the greatest players of the era. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, mentoring many future stars and contributing to the development of tennis.

Continue Reading

Nouri al-Maliki

Iraqi politician, former Prime Minister
Born
June 20th, 1950 75 years ago

Served as the 76th Prime Minister of Iraq from 2006 to 2014. During this tenure, focused on national reconciliation and combating terrorism. Faced significant challenges including sectarian violence and opposition from various political groups. Oversaw military operations against insurgents and aimed to stabilize the country following years of conflict. Played a key role in shaping post-Saddam Iraq's political landscape.

Continue Reading

John Goodman

American actor in 'Roseanne'
Born
June 20th, 1952 73 years ago

An American actor, recognized for roles in television and film. Starred in the series 'Roseanne' as Dan Conner, earning critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. Featured in films such as 'The Big Lebowski' and 'Monsters, Inc.', showcasing versatility across comedy and drama. Involved in voice acting and has contributed to various animated projects. Received accolades throughout the career, including a Primetime Emmy Award.

Continue Reading

Joseph Ebuya

Kenyan long-distance runner, World Champion
Born
June 20th, 1987 38 years ago

This athlete specialized in long-distance running events. Achieved notable success in the 2010 World Indoor Championships by winning the gold medal in the 5000 meters. Competed in various international competitions, earning recognition in cross country events. Represented Kenya in multiple races, contributing to the country's rich athletics tradition. Participated in the 2011 World Championships and the 2012 London Olympics, showcasing elite-level endurance and speed.

Continue Reading

Athol Williams

South African poet and social philosopher
Born
June 20th, 1970 55 years ago

A poet and social philosopher from South Africa, contributions include various collections of poetry and essays focused on social issues and philosophy. Engaged in discussions on justice, equality, and social change, fostering a deeper understanding of societal challenges in contemporary contexts. Participation in international literary festivals and educational initiatives strengthened discussions around the role of literature in social critique.

Continue Reading

Silke Möller

German middle-distance runner
Born
June 20th, 1964 61 years ago

Competed in middle-distance events, primarily focusing on the 800 meters. Achieved significant success during the late 1980s and early 1990s, representing Germany in various international competitions. Excelled at the European Championships and showcased talent at the World Championships. Contributed to the evolution of German athletics through competitive performances and consistency on the track.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on April 9th

Mikael Agricola

Finnish priest and translator of the Bible
Born
1510 515 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1557 468 years ago — 47 years old

A significant figure in the development of the Finnish language, Agricola was a clergyman and scholar who translated the New Testament into Finnish. His work laid the foundation for Finnish literature and education. He also wrote several religious texts that further advanced literacy in Finland. Agricola's contributions to linguistics and religious reform were central to the Protestant Reformation in Finland.

Continue Reading

Norman Girvan

Jamaican economist and politician
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
April 9th, 2014 11 years ago — 73 years old

An economist, academic, and politician with significant contributions to Caribbean economic integration and development. Served as a professor and was actively involved in numerous regional organizations. Contributed to the discourse on Caribbean politics and economics through publications and policy recommendations. Participated in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and served as the Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States.

Continue Reading

Alqas Mirza

Safavid prince and military leader
Born
March 15th, 1516 509 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1550 475 years ago — 34 years old

Born in 1516, a prince of the Safavid dynasty, played a significant role in the early years of the dynasty, particularly during the reign of Shah Ismail I. Involved in military campaigns aimed at consolidating power and expanding territory. Held the title of governor of various provinces, overseeing administration and military operations. Also participated in battles against rival factions and foreign threats, contributing to the establishment of Safavid rule in Persia.

Continue Reading

Jorge Eliécer Gaitán

Colombian lawyer and politician
Born
January 23rd, 1903 122 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1948 77 years ago — 45 years old

A prominent Colombian lawyer and politician, served as the 16th Minister of National Education. Advocated for social justice, education reform, and political change in Colombia during the mid-20th century. Gaitán emerged as a key figure in the Liberal Party, rallying the support of the working class and challenging the status quo. His leadership catalyzed significant political movements in the country. Assassination in 1948 led to widespread riots and violence in Bogotá, marking a turning point in Colombian history.

Continue Reading

Eddie Cochems

Football coach and early innovator
Born
February 4th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1953 72 years ago — 76 years old

An early American football coach and player, contributed significantly to the development of the passing game in football. Served as a head coach at Saint Louis University and the University of Wisconsin. Introduced the forward pass more prominently, altering offensive strategies within the sport. His teams achieved noteworthy success during his coaching tenure, showcasing innovative tactics that influenced future generations of the game.

Continue Reading

Helene Hanff

American author of 84, Charing Cross Road
Born
April 15th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1997 28 years ago — 80 years old

An author and screenwriter, contributed significantly to literature with a focus on correspondence that captured the essence of human connection through letters. '84, Charing Cross Road', published in 1970, became a bestseller and was adapted into a film in 1987. The work reflects a friendship established over letters between an American writer and a British bookseller, dealing with themes of literature and culture across the Atlantic. In addition to this prominent work, contributed essays and articles to various publications throughout her career, showcasing a strong voice in her narrative style.

Continue Reading