Manuel Gregorio Tavarez
Composer
Nineteenth-century classical composer who is best known for his beloved danza (Puerto-Rican waltz-like piece), Margarita. He was dubbed the Chopin of America, for his Danza's, The Sensitive One and Remembrance of Yesteryear.
He received a scholarship to attend the Music Conservatory of Paris when he was just fifteen years old.
He is considered by music historians to be the first Puerto Rican Romantic composer. His compositions included danzas, funeral marches, and rhapsodies.
His daughter, Elisa Tavarez, had a successful career as a pianist.
His work is often compared to that of the renowned Polish-born composer, Frederic Chopin.