Born Jakob Eberst, 20 June, in Cologne Germany; the son of a Jewish cantor. The name "Offenbach" is taken from the German town that was once the family home
1833
Moves to Paris and enters the Conservatoire
1834
Plays cello in the orchestra of the Opéra-Comique
1844
Marries Herminie d'Alcain; they have four daughters
1849
Appointed conductor at the Théâtre Français
1853
Composes the first of more than 90 operettas
1855
Becomes manager of own theatre, Bouffes-Parisiens
1873
His popularity wanes as popular tastes in musical theatre change following the Franco-Prussian War
1880
Struggles to finish opera The Tales of Hoffmann; dies in Paris, 5 October
