ABSTRACT
Coates had had a long involvement with the orchestra dating back to Dan Godfreys tenure. He clearly enjoyed his links with the ensemble, journeying to Plymouth in February 1956 for a concert with the Orchestra. During the 1950s Coates maintained regular conducting visits with the finest professional orchestras, such as the Liverpool Philharmonic the City of Birmingham Symphony and the Hall. Robinson had also recently recorded a LP of Coates music, including the first recording of The Enchanted Garden, with the Pro Arte Orchestra for Pye, which was released in the early months of 1958 entitled Tribute to Eric Coates. The death of Eric Coates can be seen as a watershed moment in the history of British light music. The highlight for coates was the music festival where he would appear on the same platform as many of the most renowned members of the musical profession.
