Heitor Villa-Lobos was a prolific Brazilian composer, conductor, music educator and advocate of Brazilian music. He wrote choral and chamber music, instrumental and orchestral pieces, vocal works and piano music. Villa-Lobos wrote more than 2,000 compositions, including "Bachianas Brasilieras" which was inspired by Bach, and "Concerto for Guitar." His etudes and preludes for the guitar remain popular to this day.

Music Education in the News: Jim Davis, music teacher at Highland Community Colleges, wins big on Jeopardy.

This Day in Music History: 1935 - French Romantic composer Camille Saint-Saëns was born in Rue du Jardin, Paris, France.

Francis Poulenc was one of the important French composers after World War 1 and member of "Les Six"; a title given by the critic Henri Collet to a group of young composers whose works were influenced by Erik Satie. He wrote concertos, sacred music, piano music and other stage works. His notabe compositions include "Mass in G Major" and "Les biches," which was commissioned by Diaghilev.

Music Education in the News: The Los Angeles Philharmonic has created a music fund in honor of their music director who is stepping down at the end of the season.

This Day in Music History: 1585 - German composer Heinrich Schütz was born in Kostritz, Saxony (Germany).

Luciano Berio was an Italian composer, conductor, theorist and educator known for his innovative style. He is also instrumental in the growth of electronic music. Berio wrote instrumental and vocal pieces, operas, orchestral works and other compositions using traditional and modern techniques. His major works include "Epifanie," "Sinfonia" and the "Sequenza series." "Sequenza III" was written by Berio for his wife, the actress/singer Cathy Berberian.

Music Education in the News: Sarah Lutman is the new president and managing director of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.

This Day in Music History: 1955 - Cellist Yo-Yo Ma was born in Paris, France.

György Sándor Ligeti was one of the prominent Hungarian composers of the post-war period who developed a music style called "micropolyphony." One of his major compositions wherein he used this technique is in "Atmosphères." The said composition was featured in the 1968 movie "2001: A Space Odyssey" directed by Stanley Kubrick.

Music Education in the News: In Ojai, California, the BRAVO! music education program expands its classes to serve more students in Ojai Valley.

This Day in Music History: 1820 - The soprano Jenny Lind was born.