Thomas, Ambroise (5 August 1811, Metz; 12 February 1896, Paris), composer, entered the Paris Conservatoire at age 17 in 1828, and he distinguished himself there as a student by winning three prizes including the Prix de Rome of 1832. When Thomas returned to Paris from Italy, he made it evident immediately that he was determined to make a name for himself. He had three works produced at the Opéra-Comique between 1837 and 1839, and he found time to collaborate on the ballet in three acts entitled…