Births on May 15

Michael William Balfe

Born on May 15, 1808

Michael William Balfe, Irish composer and conductor (d. 1870)

Michael William Balfe (15 May 1808 – 20 October 1870) was an Irish composer, best remembered for his operas, especially The Bohemian Girl.

After a short career as a violinist, Balfe pursued an operatic singing career, while he began to compose. In a career spanning more than 40 years, he composed at least 29 operas, almost 250 songs, several cantatas and other works. He was also a noted conductor, directing Italian Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre for seven years, among other conducting posts.

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Michael William Balfe

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Events on 1808

22 Jan

Invasion of Portugal (1807)
The Portuguese royal family arrives in Brazil after fleeing the French army's invasion of Portugal two months earlier.
6 Apr

American Fur Company
John Jacob Astor incorporates the American Fur Company, that would eventually make him America's first millionaire.
8 Apr

Pope Pius VII
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Baltimore is promoted to an archdiocese, with the founding of the dioceses of New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Bardstown (now Louisville) by Pope Pius VII.
3 May

Sveaborg
Finnish War: Sweden loses the fortress of Sveaborg to Russia.
6 Jun

Joseph Bonaparte
Napoleon's brother, Joseph Bonaparte, is crowned King of Spain.

Births on May 15

Michael William Balfe

Born on May 15, 1808

References

Choose Another Date

Events on 1808

Invasion of Portugal (1807)

American Fur Company

Pope Pius VII

Sveaborg

Joseph Bonaparte