Holmes, Henry
1839-
This celebrated violinist was, like his brother Alfred, born in London and educated by his father. As a boy, he was a chorister at the Oratory. The brothers made their first appearance, together, at the Haymarket Theatre in 1847, but thereafter devoted their time to study. They appeared in London in 1853, two years later making a tour through Belgium, Germany, Austria and Sweden. Henry Holmes eventually settled in London and became a professor of violin at the Royal College of Music. His principal compositions are four symphonies; a concert overture; two quintets for stringed instruments; a violin concerto; many violin solos; two sacred cantatas for solo voices, chorus and orchestra, Praise Ye the Lord, and Christmas; and many songs.