Gabriel Pierné

Henri Constant Gabriel Pierné was a French composer, conductor, pianist, and organist known for his contributions to the world of music. Born in Metz in 1863, Pierné moved to Paris after the Franco-Prussian War. A student of esteemed composers like César Franck and Jules Massenet at the Paris Conservatoire, he won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1882. Pierné succeeded Franck as the organist at Sainte-Clotilde Basilica and later became chief conductor of the Concerts Colonne. He conducted the world premiere of Stravinsky's 'The Firebird' in 1910. Awarded as a Commandeur de la Légion d'Honneur and a member of the Academie des Beaux Arts, Pierné passed away in Ploujean, Finistère in 1937.