Help
Skip to main content

Arthur Seymour Sullivan

Born: 13th May 1842, London

Died: 22nd November 1900, London

Nationality: English

Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan MVO was an English composer. He is best known for 14 operatic collaborations with the dramatist W. S. Gilbert, including H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado. His works include 24 operas, 11 major orchestral works, ten choral works and oratorios, two ballets, incidental music to several plays, and numerous church pieces, songs, and piano and chamber pieces. His hymns and songs include "Onward, Christian Soldiers" and "The Lost Chord".

The son of a military bandmaster, Sullivan composed his first anthem at the age of eight and was later a soloist in the boys' choir of the Chapel Royal.

Further Reading: Sullivan, A

Interview, John Andrews on Arthur Sullivan's The Light of the World

The conductor talks to Katherine about the world premiere recording of Sullivan's 1873 oratorio on the life of Christ, which was released last month on Dutton.

Recording of the Week, Richard Egarr conducts Gilbert & Sullivan's HMS Pinafore

Katherine enjoys a new recording of a well-loved light-opera classic, with Richard Egarr and Scottish Opera (and featuring Tim Brooke-Taylor!)

Popular Genres: Sullivan, A

Popular Works: Sullivan, A

All Works: Sullivan, A

Recent Best Sellers: Sullivan, A

New Releases: Sullivan, A