 Georges Bizet was born in Paris on 25 October 1838 . He was registered as Alexandre César Léopold , but baptised as " Georges " on 16 March 1840 , and was known by this name for the rest of his life . His father , Adolphe Bizet , had been a hairdresser and wigmaker before becoming a singing teacher despite his lack of formal training . He also composed a few works , including at least one published song . In 1837 Adolphe married Aimée Delsarte , against the wishes of her family who considered him a poor prospect ; the <unk> , though impoverished , were a cultured and highly musical family . Aimée was an accomplished pianist , while her brother François Delsarte was a distinguished singer and teacher who performed at the courts of both Louis Philippe and Napoleon III . François Delsarte 's wife Rosine , a musical prodigy , had been an assistant professor of solfège at the Conservatoire de Paris at the age of 13 . 
