 This led him to Milan, where he came to the attention of the Emperor of Austria, who conferred on him the title of chamber-singer (Kammersänger) to his court, and wanted to engage him for Vienna.However Lumley had already booked him for three years in London, but the Viennese court then secured him in advance for the year 1860.His first season at La Scala, Milan, in early 1855, was witnessed by Charles Santley  who observed that he created 'a perfect furore' and was the hero of the day.