A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Stansbury, George
STANSBURY, George Frederick, son of Joseph Stansbury, a player upon the flute, bassoon and viola, residing in Bristol, was born in that city in 1800. When only 12 years old he was proficient on the pianoforte, violin, and flute, and at 19 was engaged by Mme. Catalani as accompanyist during a concert tour through England. He was afterwards director of the music at the Theatre Royal, Dublin, where he made his appearance as a composer with an overture to 'Life in Dublin.' In 1828 he appeared at the Haymarket Theatre as Capt. Macheath in 'The Beggar's Opera,' and on Jan. 15, 1829, at Covent Garden in A. Lee's ' Nymph of the Grotto.' He continued there and at Drury Lane for several years. He was afterwards engaged as musical director and conductor at the St. James's, the Surrey, and other theatres. He composed music for 'Waverley' (with A. Lee), and 'Puss in Boots,' 1832; 'The Elfin Sprite,' and 'Neuha's Cave,' 1833, and other pieces, besides many songs, etc. His voice was of poor quality, but he was an excellent musician, and a ready composer. He died of dropsy, June 3, 1845.
[ W. H. H. ]