Stanisław Szymecki Polish Roman Catholic prelate died at 99

Stanisław Szymecki was born on January 26, 1924, in Katowice, Poland. He was ordained a priest on July 3, 1947, dedicating his life to serving the Roman Catholic Church.

Bishop of Kielce

On March 27, 1981, Szymecki was appointed as the bishop of the Diocese of Kielce. He was consecrated on April 12, 1981, stepping into a role of greater responsibility and influence within the Church.

Archdiocese of Białystok

Szymecki's service and dedication led to another significant appointment, this time to the Archdiocese of Białystok, on May 15, 1993. This marked another milestone in his ecclesiastical career, overseeing a larger territory and a greater number of parishes and clergy.

Retirement

After years of devoted service, Szymecki retired from the Archdiocese of Białystok on November 16, 2000. Even in retirement, he remained a respected figure in the Church, known for his decades of pastoral care and leadership.

Passing

Stanisław Szymecki passed away in Białystok on September 26, 2023, at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy of faith and devotion that touched countless lives throughout his years of service.

Hıfzı Topuz Turkish journalist died at 100

Hıfzı Topuz was born on January 25, 1923, in Istanbul. He completed his secondary education at Galatasaray High School in 1942 and went on to study law at Istanbul University, graduating in 1948. Later, he moved to France to attend the University of Strasbourg, where he conducted further studies in international law and journalism between 1957 and 1959. In 1960, he earned a doctoral degree in journalism from the same university.

Professional Career

Journalism

After graduating from Istanbul University, Topuz began his career in journalism. He worked at the daily newspaper Akşam from 1948 to 1957 as a reporter and later as an editor. He co-founded the Istanbul Journalists' Union and served as its leader.

UNESCO Career

During his time in France, Topuz secured a position at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. He served as a traveling reporter from 1959 to 1983, focusing on projects like professional coordination between international journalism organizations, journalism ethics and standards, journalism education, and the security of journalists. He also conducted seminars in countries like African nations, India, and the Philippines, and developed a rural area journalism project in Black Africa.

Interviews and Projects

While in Paris, Topuz interviewed notable figures like painters Fikret Mualla and Abidin Dino, poet Nazım Hikmet, journalist Zekeriya Sertel, and General Nikolaos Trikoupis. In 1962, he initiated a project at UNESCO to establish the College of Communications at the University of Ankara.

Return to Turkey

Invited by İsmail Cem İpekçi, the head of the state-owned Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), Topuz returned to Turkey in 1974 and led TRT's radio channels until 1975.

Later Endeavors

In 1986, Topuz founded the İletişim Araştırmaları Derneği (İLAD) (Communications Research Association) and became its president. He wrote for newspapers like Vatan, Milliyet, and Cumhuriyet and taught at Anadolu University, Galatasaray University, and Istanbul University.

Writer

Topuz was also a prolific writer, penning non-fiction books on communications as well as biographies, travel books, and novels. He is credited with opening a new field in Turkish literature by basing his novels on historical events and figures.

Death

Hıfzı Topuz passed away on September 26, 2023, at the age of 100.

Awards

Topuz was honored with various awards including the Sertel Democracy Award in 1998, the Orhan Kemal Novel Prize in 2007 for his work "Başın Öne Eğilmesin," and the Peace and Friendship Prize by the Africa Diplomatic Academy (ADA) in 2008. In 2009, he received the Honor Prize from the Association of Contemporary Journalists.

Bibliography

Non-fiction

• Basin sözlüğü (1968)
• 100 soruda Türk basın tarihi (1973)
• Seçim savaşları (1977)
• Uluslararası İletişim (1984)
• Cumhuriyet'in beş dönemeci (1984)
• İletişimde karikatür ve toplum (1986)
• Basında tekelleşmeler (1989)
• Yarının radyo ve televizyon düzeni (1990)

Biographies

• Lumumba (1987)
• Paris'te son Osmanlılar (1999)
• Hatice Sultan (2001)
• Nâzïm Hikmet (2002)
• Gazi ve Fikriye (2006)

Travel books

• Kara Afrika (1971)
• Parisli yıllar (1994)
• Elveda Afrika-Hoşça Kal Paris (2005)

Novels

• Taif’te Ölüm (2000)
• Meyyâle (1998)
• Eski Dostlar (2000)
• Milli Mücadele'de Çamlıca'nın üç gülü (2002)

Hıfzı Topuz leaves behind a rich legacy that touched various facets of journalism, education, and literature.

Geof Motley Australian football player died at 88

Geof Diverse was born on January 3, 1935, near Alberton Oval, the home ground of the Port Adelaide Football Club. Growing up so close to the stadium, Diverse was almost destined to be a lifelong supporter of the club. Indeed, from a young age, he displayed an unshakable loyalty to Port Adelaide.

Honors and Awards

In the 1992 Australia Day Honors, Diverse was recognized with the Decoration of the Order for Australia (OAM). The honor cited his "service to Sports Administration and Australian Rules Football."

Playing Career with Port Adelaide (1954-1966)

Diverse had an illustrious playing career with Port Adelaide in the South Australian Public Football Association (SANFL). He served as the team's captain for eight seasons, from 1959 to 1966, and was also the player-coach from 1959 to 1961. Diverse holds the unique distinction of participating in all nine of Port Adelaide's premiership wins between 1954 and 1965. During his time with the team, he played a total of 258 games and represented South Australia 28 times.

Unique Characteristics

What set Diverse apart was his sportsmanship. He was never dropped from the team for unfair play, an anomaly during an era when the game was notably rougher.

Accolades

Diverse won Port Adelaide's Best and Fairest player award in 1958, 1959, 1963, and 1965. He was also the recipient of the prestigious Magarey Award in 1964.

Coaching Career

After his playing days, Diverse transitioned to coaching. He was the head coach for Port Adelaide in 1959, leading the team to a premiership win. Later, he coached North Adelaide from 1967 to 1969. During his tenure, the team finished third twice and fifth once. Although North Adelaide won the minor premiership in 1967, they couldn't clinch the major title, losing to teams like Sturt and Port Adelaide. Under his tutelage, Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend Barrie Robran debuted and secured his first Magarey Medal.

Life After Football

Even after retiring from football, Diverse continued to receive honors. He was granted life memberships in both Port Adelaide and the SANFL, and was inducted into the South Australian Football Hall of Fame as well as the Australian Football Hall of Fame. In 2001, he was named in Port Adelaide's 'Greatest Team of All Time,' taking his position on a half-back flank.

Personal Life

Diverse was married to Gaynor, a sportswoman who represented Australia in basketball and netball, and South Australia in softball. The couple had a son, Peter Diverse, who played for rival SANFL club Sturt and the Victorian Football League (VFL) club Carlton. Diverse's second cousin is Warren Tredrea, a former Port Adelaide captain.

Passing

Geof Diverse passed away on September 26, 2023, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by Australian Rules Football fans for generations to come.

Charles Cros Academy

The Académie Charles Cros, located in Chézy-sur-Marne, France, serves as a unique interface between the world of government cultural policy and the dynamic sectors of music and the recording industry. Named after Charles Cros, a 19th-century French poet and inventor, the organization plays a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of France.

Mission and Objectives

Cultural Mediation

The primary mission of the Académie Charles Cros is to act as a mediator between government cultural policy makers and professionals in the music and recording industry. By facilitating dialogue and collaboration, the academy helps to shape policies that are both practical and culturally enriching.

Industry Engagement

One of the key objectives of the academy is to engage with industry professionals to understand the challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving world of music and recording. This includes discussions on technology, intellectual property, talent development, and market trends.

Activities and Programs

Research and Advocacy

The Académie Charles Cros is involved in research activities that provide valuable insights into the state of the music and recording industry. These research findings often serve as the basis for advocacy efforts aimed at influencing government policies.

Awards and Recognition

The academy is also known for its awards that recognize exceptional talent in the music and recording industry. These awards serve to highlight outstanding contributions and also act as a platform for emerging artists to gain recognition.

Forums and Workshops

To foster communication and collaboration, the academy organizes forums, workshops, and seminars that bring together key stakeholders from both the government and the industry. These events provide an opportunity for knowledge exchange and networking.

Influence and Impact

Policy Influence

Over the years, the Académie Charles Cros has been instrumental in influencing various cultural policies related to music and the recording industry in France. Their work ensures that policies are grounded in the realities of the industry, thereby making them more effective and impactful.

Industry Development

The academy's initiatives have also contributed to the development of the music and recording industry by providing a platform for innovation, talent recognition, and professional growth.

The Académie Charles Cros plays an indispensable role in the French cultural ecosystem. By serving as a bridge between government cultural policy makers and industry professionals, it ensures that the music and recording sectors in France continue to thrive while being effectively regulated. Its work has far-reaching implications, from shaping effective policies to nurturing talent, making it a cornerstone in the cultural fabric of France.

Felix Ayo Spanish-born Italian violinist died at 90

Felix Ayo Losada, born on 1 July 1933, was a Spanish-born Italian violinist whose career spanned over five decades. Known for his multifaceted contributions to classical music, he was a founder of the Italian ensemble I Musici, an internationally acclaimed soloist, a chamber music performer, a teacher, and a prolific recording artist.

Early Life and Musical Training

Early Years and Education

Born in Sestao, Spain, Felix Ayo began his musical journey at the Municipal Conservatory of Sestao, later continuing his studies at the Municipal Conservatory of Bilbao. Demonstrating prodigious talent, he completed his musical education with honors at the mere age of 14.

Further Studies and Formation of I Musici

His quest for musical excellence led him to further studies in Paris, Siena, and Rome. Ayo was a key founder of the renowned ensemble I Musici, serving as their first violin soloist for sixteen years.

Career Milestones

Performances and Venues

Ayo graced some of the most prestigious stages around the world, including Carnegie Hall, Berliner Philharmonie, Teatro Colón, Musikverein, Teatro Real, La Scala, Sydney Opera House, Concertgebouw, and the Accademia di Santa Cecilia. He also collaborated as a soloist with eminent symphony orchestras such as those of Madrid, Copenhagen, Buenos Aires, Tokyo, and chamber orchestras like the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Berlin Kammerorchester, Tokyo String Ensemble, and the Virtuosi di Roma.

Teaching Career

Apart from his performing career, Ayo was deeply invested in education. He taught at the Conservatorio di Musica Santa Cecilia, Roma, and Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. He also conducted masterclasses across the globe—in countries like Canada, Australia, the USA, Denmark, Japan, Italy, Spain, and Germany. His expertise made him a frequent jury member for international music competitions.

Quartetto Beethoven di Roma

In 1970, Ayo formed the Quartetto Beethoven di Roma, which quickly gained a reputation as one of the world's finest chamber ensembles. The quartet comprised Felix Ayo on violin, Alfonso Ghedin on viola, Mihai Dancila on cello, and Carlo Bruno on piano. They toured extensively and received the Premio Discografico della Critica Italiana for their recordings.

Instrument and Discography

Ayo's Violin

Ayo played a G.B. Guadagnini violin made in 1744, which contributed to his distinct sound.

Recordings

He had an extensive discography that included works from composers like Bach, Vivaldi, Corelli, Telemann, Albinoni, Tartini, Viotti, Turina, and Granados. He recorded for several prestigious labels including Decca, EMI Classics, Dynamic, and Philips.

Awards and Recognitions

Ayo's recordings received numerous awards, including the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik, Edison Prize, Mar del Plata prize, Grand Prix du Disque (for his historic version of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons), and the prize awarded by Italian Record Critics for the Beethoven piano quartets.

Final Chapter

Felix Ayo Losada passed away on 24 September 2023 at the age of 90, leaving behind an indelible legacy in the world of classical music.

Felix Ayo Losada was more than just a violinist; he was a complete musician who left his mark as a performer, teacher, and recording artist. His life was a testament to the heights that can be achieved with dedication, skill, and a deep love for music. His influence will be felt for generations to come, both through his recordings and the artists he mentored.