Charles Hall� (original) (raw)

Karl Hall� (April 11, 1819 - October 25, 1895), who later changed his first name to Charles, was a pianist and conductor. He is best known for founding the Hall� Orchestra.

Hall� was born in Hagen in Westphalia. His father was an organist, and Charles had his first lessons from him, before studying in Darmstadt and Paris.

In 1848, Hall� moved to England, settling in Manchester. He started a series of classical concerts there, for which he founded the Hall� Orchestra in 1858. He condcuted elsewhere in the country also, as well as performing as a pianist. He was the first pianist to play the complete series of Beethoven piano sonatas in England.

Charles Hall� was knighted in 1888. He died in Manchester.