Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for April 28: In 1932, violinist Steven Staryk, considered the leading Canadian-born virtuoso of his generation, was born in Toronto.

Today in Music History for April 27: In 1857, "The Septett Club," a string and wind ensemble formed by Antoine Dessane, gave its first concert in Quebec City.

Today in Music History for May 2: In 1908, the original version of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," with music by Albert Von Tilzer and lyrics by Jack Norworth, was copyrighted by Von Tilzer's York Music Company.

Today in History for April 28: In 1220, Bishop Poore laid the first five stones of the famed Salisbury Cathedral in England, one each for himself, Archbishop Stephen Langton, Pope Honorius III, Earl William and Countess Ela of Salisbury.

Today in Music History for May 1: In 1786, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's comic opera "The Marriage of Figaro" had its world premiere in Vienna.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 18: Actor Robert Hooks is 88. Mike Vickers, saxophone player and guitarist of Manfred Mann, is 85. Music critic Robert Christgau is 83. Soprano Barbara Lowin (formerly Barbara Shuttleworth) is 81.

Today in History for April 18: In 1506, the foundation stone was laid during a celebration overseen by Pope Julius II to begin construction of the new St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

Today in Music History for April 18: In 1839, violinist Frantz Jehin-Prume, the first musician of international reputation to choose Canada as his home, was born in Spa, Belgium.

Celebrity Birthdays for April 17: Actor David Bradley ("Game of Thrones") is 83. Singer and actress Michele Richard is 79. Musician Jan Hammer is 77. Actor Clarke Peters ("Treme") is 73. Rock singer/guitarist/producer Michael Sembello is 71.

Today in History for April 17: In 1492, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain granted Christopher Columbus a commission to seek a westward ocean passage to Asia.