Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Dec. 2: On this date: In 1552, St. Francis Xavier, the founder of the Jesuits, died while on a missionary journey to China. In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of the French.

Today in Music History for Dec. 2: In 1923, soprano Maria Callas, renowned for her dramatic intensity and versatility, was born in New York City. She moved to Greece at the age of 13, studying at the Royal Conservatory in Athens.

Today in Music History for Nov. 26: In 1933, singer-actor Robert Goulet was born in Lawrence, Mass. He moved to Edmonton while in his teens, and was a semifinalist on CBC TV's "Pick the Stars" in 1952.

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 History for Nov. 29 On this date: In 1530, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, adviser to King Henry VIII of England, died.

Today in Music History for Nov. 27: In 1941, country-pop singer Eddie Rabbitt was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. Rabbitt's big break came in 1971, when Elvis Presley recorded his "Kentucky Rain." It turned out to be Presley's 50th million seller.

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 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. 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 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.