Michael Costa
(1808-1884)

Born in Geneva on 4 February 1808, the conductor and composer Michael Costa displayed an early talent for music, made rapid progress in his studies and was eventually placed at the Royal Academy of Music in Naples. He settled in England in 1830, when he became conductor at His Majesty’s Theatre. He was later conductor of the Philharmonic Society from 1846 to 1854, of the Sacred Harmonic Society from 1848, and of the Birmingham Triennial Music Festival from 1849-1882. He conducted at the Bradford (1853) and Handel festivals (1857-1880), and the Leeds Festival from 1874 to 1880. 

Costa became a naturalised British subject in 1839 and received a knighthood in 1869. He also received several foreign honours in recognition of his musical achievements. 

Sir Michael Costa died at his residence in Seafield Villas in Hove on 29 April 1884. He was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery in London. 

[His date and place of birth are taken from contemporary reports at the time of his death. Wikipedia says he was born in Naples on 14 February 1808.]