Arthur Sullivan was an operetta composer in partnership with W.S.Gilbert. His works contain a wealth of good tunes, but the political satire is now dated. They continue to remain immensely popular nonetheless.

Sullivan was born in London, England,  in 1842, and studied at the Royal Academy of Music, and at Leipzig. He became a church organist, and wrote many hymns, still in use today. In 1866 he became Professor of Composition at the Royal Academy.  He met Gilbert in 1871, and their collaboration was a huge commercial success. Sullivan himself wanted to be known as a more serious composer, but his other works are not heard these days.

Famous G&S operetta include The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, Iolanthe, The Yeomen of the Guard, and The Gondoliers.