Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Nov. 15: In 1920, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra made its debut at the Plantages Theatre under the direction of Alberta Weaver Winston. The orchestra folded in 1932, but a second Edmonton Symphony was formed in 1952.

Today in History for Nov. 15: On this date: In 1280, German theologian and music theorist Albertus Magnus died. Magnus taught famed philosopher Thomas Aquinas. In 1492, Christopher Columbus noted in his journal the use of tobacco among the Indians.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 14: Actress Kathleen Hughes ("Babe") is 96. Composer Wendy Carlos is 85. King Charles III is 76. Guitarist James Young of Styx is 75. Singer Stephen Bishop is 73. Pianist Yanni (Yiannis Chryssomallis) is 70.

Today in Music History for Nov. 14: In 1900, American composer Aaron Copland, famed for using jazz and folk tunes in his works, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. His many ballets include "Billy the Kid," "Rodeo" and "Appalachian Spring.

Today in History for Nov. 14: On this date: In 1606, "The Theatre of Neptune," a form of dramatic spectacle known as a masque, was performed by Frenchmen and Indians in barges and canoes on the waters off Port Royal, now Annapolis Royal, N.S.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 13: Journalist-author Peter Arnett is 90. Folksinger Bonnie Dobson is 84. Blues singer John Hammond is 82. Country singer-songwriter Ray Wylie Hubbard is 78. Actor Joe Mantegna is 77. Country singer J.C. Crowley is 77.

Today in Music History for Nov. 13: In 1937, NBC formed the first full-sized symphony orchestra exclusively for radio broadcasting. Network chief David Sarnoff lured Arturo Toscanini out of retirement in Italy to head the orchestra.

Today in History for Nov. 13: On this date: In 354, African theologian Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, was born in Numidia, now Algeria. Augustine wrote many works that had a dominant influence on later Western Christian theology.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 12: Playwright-actor Wallace Shawn ("The Princess Bride") is 81. Singer Brian Hyland is 81. Keyboardist Booker T. Jones of Booker T. and the MG's is 80. Sportscaster Al Michaels is 80.

Today in Music History for Nov. 12: In 1818, English church organist and composer Henry Hemy was born. Of his several original compositions, the best known is the tune "St. Catherine," to which is commonly sung the hymn "Faith of Our Fathers.