Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for April 27: In 1857, "The Septett Club," a string and wind ensemble formed by Antoine Dessane, gave its first concert in Quebec City.

Today in History for April 27: On this date: In 1278, St. Zita, patroness of servants, died. She was credited with many miracles in helping the poor in Italy.

Today in Music History for April 24: In 1792, the French national anthem "La Marseillaise" was composed by Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle. In 1897, the first "Halifax Symphony Orchestra" gave its inaugural concert at the Academy of Music.

Today in Music History for April 25: In 1800, English poet and hymn writer William Cowper died. He wrote such enduring hymns as "God Moves in Mysterious Ways" (1774) and "There is a Fountain Filled With Blood" (1771).

Today in Music History for April 22: In 1922, bassist Charles Mingus, a leader in modern jazz, was born in Arizona. He started with the traditional jazz outfits of Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory and Lionel Hampton.

Today in History for April 26: On this date: In 322, St. Basil was martyred by torture and beheading after he sheltered a young Christian woman named Glaphiga from the clutches of Roman Emperor Lucinius. In 387, St.

Today in Music History for April 23: In 1920, Canadian string instrument builder Frank Gay was born in Marcelin, Sask.

Today in History for April 23: On this date: In 34, Jesus Christ was crucified, according to mathematician and physicist Sir Isaac Newton, one of the foremost scientific intellects of all time. In 303, St.

Today in Music History for April 21: In 1921, Canadian tenor Roger Doucet was born in Montreal. He was best-known for singing "O Canada" at the home games of the Montreal Canadiens, Alouettes and Expos.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 12: Playwright Alan Ayckbourn is 85. Jazz musician Herbie Hancock is 84. Rock singer John Kay of Steppenwolf is 80. Actor Ed O'Neill ("Modern Family," ''Married...With Children") is 78.