Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Nov. 28: On this date: In 1520, the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan reached the Pacific Ocean after passing through the South American strait that now bears his name.

Today in History for Nov. 24: On this date: In 1639, astronomer Jeremiah Horrocks first observed the transit of Venus across the Sun.

Today in History for Nov. 26: On this date: In 1539, in England, the monastery at the Fountains Abbey was surrendered to the Crown.

Today in Music History for Nov. 28: In 1902, the Quebec Symphony Orchestra gave its first concert at Tara Hall with violinist J. Alexandre Gilbert as soloist. The Quebec Symphony is Canada's oldest surviving major orchestra.

Today in Music History for Nov. 30: In 1915, blues singer and guitarist Brownie McGhee, best known for his collaborations with harmonica player Sonny Terry, was born in Knoxville, Tenn.

Today in History for Nov. 30: On this date: In 1667, Irish writer and satirist Jonathan Swift was born. In 1782, a preliminary peace treaty ending the American War of Independence was signed between Britain and the United States.

Today in History for Nov. 27 On this date: In 1095, in France, Pope Urban II solemnly proclaimed the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont.

Today in Music History for Nov. 29: In 1880, the 1,100-seat Grand Opera House opened in Hamilton, Ont. It gave the city a proper auditorium for theatrical and musical presentations, and attracted top North American touring companies.

Today in Music History for Nov. 25: In 1913, the Calgary Symphony Orchestra gave its first young people's matinee concert, performing for a public-school audience. Each pupil paid 15 cents to attend.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 15: Singer Petula Clark is 92. Actor Sam Waterston ("Law and Order") is 84. Classical conductor Daniel Barenboim is 82. Singer Anni-Frid Lyngstad of ABBA is 79. Actor Bob Gunton is 79.