Jacques François Antoine Marie Ibert was a French composer who began studying music at a young age. He completed his education at the Paris Conservatoire and won its highest award, the Prix de Rome, on his first try. This achievement came despite interruptions to his studies caused by his service in World War I. These early experiences shaped his path as a composer as he moved forward in his career. Ibert wrote a wide variety of music throughout his life. His works include seven operas, five ballets, music for plays and films, solo piano pieces, choral works, and chamber music. Though he composed many types of pieces, he is most often remembered for his orchestral music, such as Divertissement (1930) and Escales (1922). These pieces show different sides of his style and remain well known today. Unlike some composers who follow one clear style, Ibert did not limit himself to any single genre. Because of this, he has been called an eclectic. This variety appears even in his most famous works: Divertissement is light and playful, written for a small orchestra, while Escales is a richly romantic piece meant for a large orchestra. His music reflects a range of moods and approaches. Alongside composing, Ibert held important positions in French musical institutions. He was the director of the Académie de France at the Villa Medici in Rome. During World War II, he faced exile in Switzerland after being banned by the pro-Nazi government in Paris. Following the war, he returned to his role in French music and his last official posts were leading the Paris Opera and the Opéra-Comique.