Sir John Barbirolli, CH (1899–1970) was a British conductor and
cellist. He helped save the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester from
dissolution in 1943 and was its music director for the rest of his life.
He was also Arturo Toscanini's successor as music director of the New
York Philharmonic (1936–43), chief conductor of the Houston Symphony
(1961–67), and a guest conductor of many other orchestras. Born in
London of Italian and French parentage, Barbirolli grew up in a family
of professional musicians. After starting out as a cellist, he was given
the chance to conduct, from 1926 with the British National Opera
Company, and then with Covent Garden's touring company. Although he had
less opportunity to work in the opera house after 1943, he conducted
productions of works by Verdi, Wagner, Gluck, and Puccini at Covent
Garden in the 1950s with such success that he was invited to become its
permanent musical director, an invitation he declined. Both in the
concert hall and on record, Barbirolli was particularly associated with
the music of English composers such as Elgar, Delius and Vaughan
Williams. His interpretations of composers such as Mahler, Sibelius, and
Schubert are also still admired.
Read more: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Barbirolli>
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Today's selected anniversaries:
1804:
The coronation of Napoleon as Emperor of France was held at
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronation_of_Napoleon_I>
1848:
Franz Joseph became Emperor of Austria.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Joseph_I_of_Austria>
1899:
Philippine–American War: A 60-man Filipino rear guard was
defeated in the Battle of Tirad Pass, but delayed the American advance
long enough to ensure Emilio Aguinaldo's escape.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tirad_Pass>
1956:
Cuban Revolution: The yacht Granma, carrying Fidel Castro, Che
Guevara and 80 other members of the 26th of July Movement, reached the
shores of Cuba.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granma_(yacht)>
2001:
Less than two months after disclosing accounting violations,
Texas-based energy firm Enron filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy,
evaporating nearly $11 billion in shareholder wealth.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enron_scandal>
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Wiktionary's word of the day:
bowk:
1. (Geordie) To belch, to burp.
2. (UK) To vomit.
<https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/bowk>
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Wikiquote quote of the day:
I wear this Saint Christopher medal sometimes because — I'm
Jewish — but my boyfriend is Catholic. It was cute, the way he gave it
to me. He said if it doesn't burn through my skin, it will protect me.
Who cares? Different religions. The only time it's an issue, I suppose,
would be like if you're having a baby and you've got to figure out how
you want to raise it. Which still wouldn't be an issue for us, because
we'd be … honest, and just say, you know, like, "Mommy is one of the
chosen people … and daddy believes that Jesus is magic!"
--Sarah Silverman
<https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Sarah_Silverman>