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

_______________________________ 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

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

bowk: 1. (Geordie) To belch, to burp. 2. (UK) To vomit. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/bowk

___________________________ 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