A comic opera in two acts, The Persian Rose is the last opera completed by the English composer Arthur Sullivan. After straying from his comedic roots for several productions, Sullivan cultivated an opera comprised of exotic influences within its constructed environment and plot elements. Although covered irregularly today, The Rose of Persia exploits Arthur Sullivan as a consistently successful composer; demonstrates the influence of late 19th century ethnic groups within this particular musical; directly draws parallels with Middle Eastern cultures and implies sufficient similarities and differences with comparable earlier works, which also include depictions of exoticism and orientalism. On June 24, 1842, Arthur Sullivan was born in south London. From a young age, Sullivan's musicality was easily recognizable, something his father was extremely supportive of, as he was a conductor. For without his father's support and occupation, it is possible that Sullivan's introduction to music would not have happened so early. According to Sullivan, he was "extremely interested in everything the band did" and he "learned to play all the wind instruments" (Young 5). With his burgeoning interest in music, Sullivan continued his studies at the Royal Academy of Music until 1858, eventually attending the Leipzig Conservatory. Over the years, Sullivan pursued his passion for music through conducting, until his partnership with librettist WS Gilbert began in 1871. Gilbert and Sullivan produced several projects together, including Ruddigore, Yeomen of the Guard and The Gondoliers, thus establishing a remarkable working relationship. (Young 5). Following an argument over expenses, a feud broke out and the partnership was concluded. With this new platform vacated by Gilbert's presence, Sullivan moved on to composition without Gilbert's assistance (Young 5). Throughout his career, Sullivan worked with other librettists, continuing to compose primarily comic operas, such as The Rose of Persia. Composed by Arthur Sullivan, The Rose of Persia was premiered in 1899, later debuting in the same year. The Persian Rose premiered on November 29, 1899 in London at the Savoy Theater (“The Persian Rose (work by Sullivan)”). The romantic piece included two acts and instrumentation by vocal soloists, choir and orchestra. After its premiere, the opera toured extensively throughout America and the English-speaking world, completing a run of 220 performances (Citation needed). While Sullivan was the composer of the two-act comic opera, Basil Hood was the librettist of The Rose of Persia ("Sir Arthur Sullivan (British Composer)").