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.

Celebrity Birthdays for Feb. 17: Filmmaker-artist Alejandro Jodorowsky is 96. Actress Christina Pickles (``The Wedding Singer,'' ''St. Elsewhere``) is 90. Actress Brenda Fricker is 80. Pop singer Dodie Stevens is 79.

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.

Celebrity Birthdays for Feb. 16: Jazz/pop singer-actress Peggy King is 95. Actor William Katt (``Greatest American Hero'') is 74. Hockey Hall-of-Famer Lanny McDonald is 72. Actor LeVar Burton is 68. Rapper-actor Ice-T is 67.

Today in History for Feb. 16: In 1838, an act of the British Parliament suspended the constitution in Lower Canada. In 1872, the first session of the British Columbia legislature opened. In 1878, the silver dollar became legal currency in the U.S.

Today in Music History for Feb. 16: In 1865, English clergyman Sabine Baring-Gould first published the hymn, ``Now the Day is Over.'' It was based on the text of Prov 3:24: ``When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid...

Celebrity Birthdays for Feb. 15: Actress Claire Bloom is 94. Author Susan Brownmiller is 90. Songwriter Brian Holland (Holland-Dozier-Holland) is 84. Drummer Mick Avory of The Kinks is 81. Jazz saxophonist Henry Threadgill is 81.

Today in History for Feb. 15: In 399 B.C., Socrates, the Greek philosopher, is thought to have been sentenced to death. In 1386, Lithuanian king Jagiello was baptized.

Today in Music History for Feb. 15: In 1918, country singer Hank Locklin was born in McLellan, Fla.