George Alexander Osborne

Young George joined him in that profession, becoming organist in St John's Church, John St. [2] He left Ireland at the age of eighteen for Brussels, where he was appointed music instructor for the eldest son of the Dutch king, and became friends with Charles de Bériot.

[3] Here he studied under Johann Peter Pixis, François-Joseph Fétis and Friedrich Kalkbrenner and became friendly with some of the leading musicians of his time including Berlioz and Chopin.

In 1843, Osborne settled permanently in London, although he maintained a home in Paris until c.1848, when he encouraged a nervous Chopin during the latter's tour of England in 1848.[4]).

Osborne died at his home in Regent's Park, London, at the age of 87 and was buried on the western side of Highgate Cemetery.

One of Osborne's most popular compositions was a piano piece entitled La Pluie de perles (Shower of Pearls),[4] which went through many editions.