Jacob Meyer Beer was born in a covered wagon between Berlin and Frankfurt, became Giacomo Meyerbeer and wrote some of the most successful and spectacular operas of the 19th century.

And the chances are you've never heard of him.

Many devotees believe that this Jewish composer, who outsold Wagner, Rossini, even Verdi, at the box office, has been cruelly overlooked since his death in 1864. That situation is about to be put right with "Meyerbeer -- Last Days of Grand Opera," a celebration of his life and work, on Sunday, November 18.

The event, part of the JC Festival of Jewish Arts and Culture, will feature international Meyerbeer expert Professor Robert Letellier explaining the composer's significance, and performances of selections from his works.

Miriam Murphy (soprano), Bradley Daley (tenor) and Simon Wilding (bass) will be doing the singing, accompanied by the Alyth Choral Society.

Meyerbeer is regarded as the founder of French grand opera. His works, including "Robert le Diable," "Les Huguenots," and "Le Prophète," were noted for their spectacular scenes and finales, providing a model for many of his successors.

His undoubted popularity during his life can be ascribed not only to the quality of the music, but also to his readiness to give the public what they wanted, coupled with a real sense of showmanship.