Artist Profile
Sir Arthur Sullivan (1842 – 1900) lived a very interesting and diverse life. Initially finding extensive success through his classical training, Arthur Sullivan’s true fame was achieved through his genius as a composer of musical comedies. His training began at the Royal Academy of Music. He then moved on to Leipzig where he attended the Conservatory and produced one of his first respected works, The Light of the Harem. Over the next few years he expanded his classical pursuits and even earned money conducting; working for the Leeds Festival and the Royal Philharmonic until 1887.
In 1871, Arthur was introduced Sullivan to W. S. Gilbert, and began a partnership that would become one of the most successful duos in the history of musical theater. Their first project was a piece commissioned by John Hollingshed called, Thespis . Throughout their partnership they produced a huge body of work including such hits as: HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, Iolanthe, Princess Ida, The Mikado, Ruddigore, Yeomen of the Guard, and The Gondoliers.
