The "prince of Kärntner Lieder" Thomas Koschat was born in the Viktring quarter of Klagenfurt in Austria. In the artistic circle of Viktring, centering around the industrial family von Moro, his musical and vocal talent was recognized early.



He went to Vienna to study chemistry but soon the Kapellmeister of the court opera engaged him as a bass singer in the chorus. He became chorus leader in the court opera and member of the cathedral and court chapels. On the side he founded and led his famed quintets with which he toured in Europe and overseas. In his repertoire, besides waltzes, Singspiele, and chorus songs were always songs from his native region of Kärnten such as "Valossn" or "Schneewalzer," which brought recognition to Kärnten even in North America. Koschat received many honors including the Order of the Red Eagle from the German Kaiser Wilhelm.