Offenbach is often credited with making the operetta an international art form and therefore paving the way for other composers such as Lehár and Sullivan.
Born 1819 / Died 1880
Known as Jacob, Offenbach was born in Cologne and was the seventh of ten children. He showed a talent for music at an early age and when his family moved to Pairs in 1833 he began studying at the Paris Conservatoire.
He made his living as a cellist whilst trying to get his compositions performed and in 1850 when he became conductor of the Théâtre Français he then began to have his works produced.
Aside from the numerous operettas he wrote he is also known for Orpheus in the Underworld and The Tales of Hoffman.
Offenbach and Opera on Location
Marriage by Lantern Light (April 2016) | Blunham, Bakewell and Sheffield – see more