Born in London of
French parents, Alfred attended the Chapel Royal
as a chorister, singing alongside Arthur
Sullivan two years his senior. Like his friend
Sullivan he initially became a church organist,
and went over to Ireland to become director of
Ulster Hall concerts in Belfast. Back in London,
he formed an association with German Reed and
his 'bijou' theatre,
"The Gallery of
Illustration" in Regent Street, London. It was
here that he composed alongside Molloy and Clay
for pieces written by Gilbert, Stephenson and
others. He was soon drawn into mainstream
theatre to become musical director, first at the
Royal Court Theatre, London (1871) and then at
the Prince's Theatre, Manchester (1872-1876).
It was at the
Prince's Theatre that he wrote his early operettas,
The Sultan of Mocha, The Tower of
London and Nell Gwynne between 1874-6.
Of these only The Sultan of Mocha brought
worthwhile recognition, being later played in
London, New York and Sydney.
Cellier went on to
write a few symphonic pieces for orchestra and
numerous
'parlour
ballads' for the
piano. His first association with Dorothy's
librettist Stephenson was when they teamed up for
Charity begins at Home in 1872. Sullivan introduced Cellier to Richard D'Oyly Carte at the Opera Comique
and set him up as resident musical director at this
and later the Savoy Theatre.
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