Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns was a French composer born on 9 October 1835 in Paris. He was a talented musician known for his incredible skills as an organist, pianist, and conductor during the Romantic era. Saint-Saëns composed many famous works, including “The Carnival of the Animals” and “Danse macabre.” Remarkably, he made his concert debut at just ten years old. Educated at the Paris Conservatoire, he became a church organist, first at Saint-Merri and later at La Madeleine.

Throughout his life, Saint-Saëns embraced new ideas in music but often composed within classical traditions. He taught briefly at the École Niedermeyer, influencing notable students like Gabriel Fauré. His operas, such as “Samson and Delilah,” remain celebrated today. Despite being respected, his music was sometimes seen as conservative. Saint-Saëns continued to compose and perform until his death on 16 December 1921, leaving behind a legacy that serves as a bridge between classical music and future composers. His works are still performed in concert halls around the world.