Grovlez, Gabriel, 1879-1944

Born into a musical family (his mother had been a pupil of Chopin), Grovlez studied piano and composition at the Paris Conservatoire with, amongst others, Gabriel Fauré.  He went on to become conductor of the Opéra-Comique and music director at the Théâtre des Artes where he was responsible for the first performances of Ravel's 'Ma mrèe l'oye'.  In 1914 he was appointed director of the Opéra de Paris, a post he held for over 20 years.