(From Birmingham)
PATTISON'S SALON ORCHESTRA Directed by NORRIS STANLEY
Relayed from the Cafe Restaurant, Corporation
Street
MICHAEL WILLIAM BALFE , counted as one of our English opera composers, was born in Ireland, where his father was a dancing master. When he was only six he was playing the fiddle for the dancing classes, and a few years later appeared as a solo violinist and as a composer. He had a varied and interesting youth, travelling over many parts of Europe and meeting interesting people in the musical world--Cherubini, Rossini, and other giants of that day-singing in opera, playing, and composing
In 1841 he removed to Paris, where several of his works were produced with real success. It was during his stay there that he composed The Bohemian Girl, the most successful of all his operas, and the only one which maintains its hold on public affection today. He returned to England to produce it here, and the work was auerwards given abroad in German, Italian and French, in different parts of Europe.
From then, until 1864, he was busily engaged as composer and conductor, appearing with success in Berlin, Vienna, St. Petersburg and other famous centres.
In 1864 he retired to the country, and while devoting himself largely to rural pursuits, still continued to compose and to make occasional visits abroad. He died in 1870. In 1882 a tablet to him was unveiled in Westminster Abbey.