Elie-Miriam Delaborde

About

Although known for his musical skills, his life was more colorful than anything he played on the piano.

Before Fame

He fled France during the 1870 Franco-Prussian War and went to London, his 121 parrots and cockatoos in tow.

Trivia

He was a painter who used the pseudonym, "Miriam."

Family Life

His birth registry does not name a father, but many believe his father was composer and pianist Charles-Valentin Alkan.

Associated With

He and Georges Bizet were close, but competitive friends, and Bizet died soon after engaging him in a swimming competition from which Bizet developed a chill.