Karl Hals

Karl Marius Anton Johan Hals (27 April 1822 – 7 September 1898) was a Norwegian businessperson who co-founded the piano manufacturer Brødrene Hals . He also served as a members of the Norwegian Parliament with the Conservative Party.

Background Hals was born at Sørum in Akershus, Norway. He was the son of Caspar Andreas Hals (1772-1846) and Martha Maria Nilson (Nielsen) (1787-1828). His father was a colonel and later customs inspector. When his father was appointed customs inspector in Christiania (now Oslo) in 1828, the family moved there.

He was a student at the Oslo Cathedral School and attended Strøms Military Institute which he resign in 1840. Together with his younger brother Petter Martin Emil Nilson Hals (1823-1871), he took a carpenter's education between 1840 and 1842. After this, Karl Hals spent time in Copenhagen and Hamburg to learn the skill of piano building.

Career He then returned to Christiania to found the piano factory Brødrene Hals in 1847 together with his brother. They production facilities were moved around in the early years, From 1887 to 1908 the company also ran a music store and a concert bureau.

Personal life In 1851, he married Thora Alvilde Christina Svanekiær (1820-1904). Their daughter, Marie, married the musician Ole Olsen. Hals was proclaimed Knight of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav in 1874, and in 1889 he was upgraded to Commander of the same order. He was also Commander of the Order of the Dannebrog as well as Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur.