Holst had studied at the Royal Danish Conservatory under Axel Gade and Carl Nielsen.
[1] The move to Manchester led to the formation of the Henry Holst String Quartet with Charles Taylor (second violin), Herbert Downes (viola) and Anthony Pini (cello).
[2] The ensemble was recognised as fine quartet, touring extensively in the UK and broadcasting on BBC Radio.
Charles Taylor also left to found his own quartet and was replaced by Reginald Stead as second violin.
Anthony Pini joined the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1932 and was replaced by John C Hock as cellist.