 He studied at the Paris Conservatoire including counterpoint with Reicha.Varney conducted the Théâtre de Ghent in 1835, followed by the Théâtre Historique, the Théâtre Lyrique (which he left in 1852 to spend more time composing, and conducting in Ghent), the Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens from 1857 (from 1862-64 he was also director and staged works by Offenbach), the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux from 1865-1878, and the Société Sainte-Cecile in Bordeaux.He was also invited to conduct the 'French Opera Season' in New Orleans in 1844.