ABSTRACT
Charles Hallé (1819–1895) was a German-born pianist and conductor, resident in Britain from 1848, and in Manchester from 1849. He initially directed the Manchester Gentleman’s Concerts, and in 1857 formed a small orchestra for the opening of the Art Treasures of Great Britain exhibition, hosted in Manchester by Prince Albert. In 1858, this became the basis for the Hallé Orchestra.
The Royal Manchester College of Music was founded by Hallé in 1893, building on the success of his orchestra and drawing on many personal contacts for his teaching staff. 1 Once open, the College was liberally supported by the local community, and expanded rapidly. Hallé mentions the support of the directors of the Manchester Gentlemen’s Concerts, an institution dating back to around 1770. 2
