Charles Hallé

Karl Hallé (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 Hallé Orchestra.

Hallé was born in Hagen in Westphalia (now part of modern Germany. His father was an organist, and Charles had his first lessons from him, before studying in Darmstadt and Paris.

In 1848, Hallé moved to England, settling in Manchester. He started a series of classical concerts there, for which he founded the Hallé 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 Hallé was knighted in 1888. He died in Manchester.