BICENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF JACQUES OFFENBACH  

The undisputed master of the operetta,  Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880) conquered lyrical stages the world over in the second half of the 19th century, with his unique, entertaining musical style and stunning virtuosity. A celebrated cellist, maestro, and theatre director, Offenbach is one of a handful of composers to have seen their music played and enjoyed by audiences. His best known works are Orphée aux Enfers (“Orpheus in the Underworld”), La Grande Duchesse de Gerolstein (“The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein”), and Les Contes d'Hoffmann (“The Tales of Hoffman”).