Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Feb. 18: In 1882, violinist Alfred De Seve, a native of Montreal, appeared with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Mendelssohn's ``Concerto in E Minor.'' In 1918, Herbert A.

Today in History for Feb. 18: In 1546, Martin Luther, the leader of the Protestant Reformation in Germany, died. In 1564, Michelangelo Buonarroti, the Italian Renaissance artist whose works include the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, died in Rome.

Celebrity Birthdays for Feb. 17: Filmmaker-artist Alejandro Jodorowsky is 95. Actress Christina Pickles (``The Wedding Singer,'' ''St. Elsewhere``) is 89. Actress Brenda Fricker is 79. Pop singer Dodie Stevens is 78.

Today in Music History for Feb. 17: In 1904, Puccini's opera ``Madame Butterfly'' made its premiere at La Scala in Milan. It was booed off the stage. In 1936, bluegrass pioneers Bill and Charlie Monroe made their first recordings.

Today in History for Feb. 17: In 1673, French playwright Moliere died after collapsing during a performance of his play, ``The Imaginary Invalid.'' In 1781, Dr. Rene Laennec, inventor of the stethoscope, was born in France. He died in 1826.

Today is Feb. 29: Leap Year Birthdays: Former space shuttle astronaut Jack Lousma is 22 (88) (born 1936). Motivational speaker Tony Robbins is 16 (64) (born 1960). Actor Antonio Sabato Jr. is 13 (52) (born 1972).

Celebrity Birthdays for Feb. 28: Architect Frank Gehry is 95. Singer Sam the Sham is 87. Actor-director-dancer Tommy Tune is 85. Hall of Fame auto racer Mario Andretti is 84. Singer Donnie Iris is 81. Actress Kelly Bishop ("Gilmore Girls") is 80.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 2: Actor John Cullum ("Northern Exposure") is 94. Actress Barbara Luna is 87. Author John Irving is 82. Canadian Songwriters Hall-of-famer Luc Plamondon is 82. Actress Cassie Yates is 73.

Celebrity Birthdays for March 1: Jazz pianist and guitarist Ralph Towner is 84. Singer Mike D'Abo of Manfred Mann is 80. Singer Roger Daltrey of The Who is 80. Actor Dirk Benedict ("The A Team") is 79.

Celebrity Birthdays for Feb. 27: Actress Joanne Woodward is 94. Consumer advocate Ralph Nader is 90. Actress Barbara Babcock is 87. Actress Debra Monk is 75. Guitarist Neal Schon of Journey is 70. Guitarist Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden is 67.