A friend in this area - Stroud in Gloucestershire, between the south west
of England and Wales - is researching the local Choral Society, which dates
back to the first half of the 19th century.

She has found mention of a 'Herr M von Holst' playing the harmonium at a
concert in the early 1860s.  Gustav Holst was born just up the road in 1874
and his father was a pianist, but his name was apparently Adolph.  Does
anyone know any more about the family - is there another relation who fits?

She has also come across somebody named Balfe singing in the early 1820s.
It seems rather early for Michael William, who wrote 'The Bohemian Girl' as
he was only born in 1808, in Ireland, but he seems to have been precocious.
Does anyone have more reliable information?  Best wishes

Christine Headley
Copyeditor and Indexer
Stroud, Glos