Charles Hallé

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Karl Halle (11 April 1819 in Hagen, Germany – 25 October 1895 in Manchester, UK), who after settling in England changed his name to Charles Hallé, 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 conducted 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.

Preceded by none	Principal Conductors, Hallé Orchestra 1858–1895	Succeeded by Frederic Cowen
Preceded by Max Bruch	Principal Conductors, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra 1883–1895	Succeeded by unknown