Today in History

Today in Music History for Oct. 16: In 1923, "The Societe Canadienne D'operette Inc.," one of the first opera companies in Quebec, presented its first production, "Offenbach's Les Brigands," at the Monument National in Montreal.

Today in History for Oct. 16: In 1555, in Oxford, England, bishops Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley were burned at the stake for heresy because of their Protestant beliefs.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 16: Actress Angela Lansbury is 92. Actor Peter Bowles ("Victoria," ''Rumpole of the Bailey") is 81. Actor-producer Tony Anthony is 80. Actor Barry Corbin ("One Tree Hill," ''Northern Exposure") is 77.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 15: Former auto executive Lee Iacocca is 93. Jazz pianist Freddy Cole is 86. Singer Barry McGuire is 82. Willie O'Ree, the first black player in the NHL, is 82. Actress Linda Lavin ("Alice") is 80.

Today in Music History for Oct. 15: In 1932, the Winnipeg Auditorium, the city's main concert hall until 1968, was opened by Prime Minister R. B. Bennett. The building was remodeled in 1975 to house the Provincial Archives and Library.

Today in History for Oct. 15: In 1542, the great Mogul emperor Jalaluddin Akbar was born in India. In 1582, the Gregorian calendar was introduced in Catholic countries. As a result, 10 days were lost as the calendar jumped from Oct. 4 to Oct. 15.

Today in History for Oct. 14: In 1066, William of Normandy became the Conqueror with his victory over King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. During the fighting, Harold was hit by an arrow and then mowed down by the sword of a mounted knight.

Today in Music History for Oct. 14: In 1904, the McGill Conservatorium of Music was officially opened at the Montreal university.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 14: Classical pianist Gary Graffman is 89. Country singer Melba Montgomery is 80. Movie director Carroll Ballard is 80. Fashion designer Ralph Lauren is 78. Singer Sir Cliff Richard is 77. Actor Udo Kier is 73.

Today in Music History for Oct. 28: In 1820, John H. Hopkins, the author and composer of the Christmas hymn "We Three Kings of Orient Are," was born. In 1936, country-rock musician and bandleader Charlie Daniels was born in Wilmington, N.C.