Haas, Alma (Hollaender)

1847-

Well-known pianist; born in Ratibor, Silesia. When ten years old she attended Herr Wandelt's music school. Her first public appearance was made when she was fourteen years old, but she soon afterwards went to Berlin to continue her studies. There her instructor was Kullak, from 1862 to 1867. In this latter year she played at a Gewandhaus concert at Leipsic. She made a tour of the principal German cities, and in 1870 played for the season in London. She visited England again in 1871, and in 1872 married Dr. Ernst Haas, professor of Sanskrit at University College, London. Her husband died in 1882, and Mme. Haas again took up her profession, playing with the Heckmann Quartet in England and elsewhere. She took part with Gompertz and Patti at the first of Henschel's London Symphony concerts, in 1886. This year finished a ten-years' position as teacher at Bedford College. She also taught a short time at the Royal College of Music. In 1886 she became the head of the musical department in King's College, London. She has played at the Popular concerts, at Franke's Chamber concerts, with the Elderhorst and other organizations, besides recitals and chamber concerts of her own. Recently she and Mrs. Hutchinson have given recitals for voice and piano. Her playing is admired by musicians, and she excels as an interpreter.