Today in History

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: 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. 13: Journalist-author Peter Arnett is 83. Folksinger Bonnie Dobson is 77. Actor Jimmy Hawkins ("It's A Wonderful Life") is 76. Blues singer John Hammond is 75. '70s soul singer Timmy Thomas is 73.

Today in History for Nov. 12: In 1774, British citizens in Quebec protested the Quebec Act which restored French civil law. In 1856, the Grand Trunk Railway was opened from Quebec to Toronto. In 1884, Calgary became a town.

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.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 12: Playwright-actor Wallace Shawn ("The Princess Bride") is 74. Singer Brian Hyland is 74. Keyboardist Booker T. Jones of Booker T. and the MG's is 73. Sportscaster Al Michaels is 73.

Today in History for Nov. 11: In 1215, the Fourth Lateran Council was convened by Pope Innocent III.

Today in Music History for Nov. 11: In 1919, the Hart House cultural centre opened at the University of Toronto. It was conceived by Vincent Massey and named after his grandfather, Hart Massey.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 11: Actress June Whitfield (TV and film: "Absolutely Fabulous") is 92. Actress Bibi Andersson is 82. Former Canadian politician/diplomat Stephen Lewis is 80. Country singer Narvel Felts is 79.

Today in Music History for Nov. 25: In 1913, the Calgary Symphony Orchestra gave its first young people's matinee concert, performing for a public-school audience. Each pupil paid 15 cents to attend.