The Tyrolese Singers

A carte-de-visite portrait of the Tyrolese Singers from the Zillerthal [a valley in the Austrian Tyrol]. They were often billed as the Tyrolese Minstrels or as Holaus's Tyrolese Singers, Simon Holaus being their lead singer, and possibly also their musical director and manager.

The Tyrolese Singers appeared regularly in London, not only in public but also at private recitals, including on several occasions for the Queen and other members of the Royal family. They were also available to hire for the evening and frequently placed announcements advertising their availability in the classified columns of The Times. One such advertisement (7 September 1868) reads: ‘The Tyrolese Singers from the Zillerthal, seven in number, who have had the honour of appearing on several occasions before Her Majesty and the Prince and Princess of Wales, at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, and Marlborough-house, may be engaged for public and private concerts, fetes, etc. Terms and particulars may be obtained at Mr Mitchell’s Royal Library, 33, Old Bond Street.’

'After dinner the Tyrolese singer, Holaus, with his company of five persons, had the honour of singing before the Queen, Prince Albert, the Duchess of Kent, and the distinguished dinner party' (London Evening Standard, 23 October 1851).

Photographed by the London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company.