Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

July 6, 1944 in Vannes, France

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Claude-Michel Schönberg is a French composer, best known for his work in musical theatre. He was born on July 6, 1944, in Vannes, France. Schönberg grew up in a musical family, with his father being a pianist and his mother a singer. He began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the guitar and the accordion. Schönberg's interest in music led him to study at the Paris Conservatory, where he studied harmony, counterpoint, and composition. He also studied orchestration with the renowned composer and conductor, Nadia Boulanger. During his time at the conservatory, Schönberg became interested in musical theatre and began writing his own songs. In 1973, Schönberg composed the music for his first musical, La Révolution Française, which was a collaboration with Alain Boublil. The show premiered in Paris and was a critical and commercial success. Schönberg and Boublil went on to collaborate on several more musicals, including Les Misérables and Miss Saigon. Les Misérables, which premiered in London in 1985, is one of Schönberg's most famous works. The musical is based on the novel by Victor Hugo and tells the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant who is imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread and later becomes a respected member of society. The show has been performed in over 40 countries and has been seen by more than 70 million people worldwide. Schönberg's other notable works include Martin Guerre, The Pirate Queen, and Marguerite. Martin Guerre, which premiered in London in 1996, is based on the true story of a man who returns to his village after being away for several years, only to be accused of being an imposter. The Pirate Queen, which premiered in Chicago in 2006, is based on the life of Grace O'Malley, an Irish pirate queen who lived in the 16th century. Marguerite, which premiered in London in 2008, is based on the novel La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas. In addition to his work in musical theatre, Schönberg has also composed music for films and television. He composed the score for the 1998 film Les Misérables, which starred Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush. He also composed the music for the French television series Les Cordier, juge et flic. Schönberg has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including several Tony Awards and Olivier Awards for Les Misérables and Miss Saigon. He was also awarded the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government in 1985. In conclusion, Claude-Michel Schönberg is a highly acclaimed composer who has made significant contributions to the world of musical theatre. His works, including Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, have been performed around the world and have touched the hearts of millions of people. Schönberg's talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous awards and honors, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of composers and musicians.

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