London Symphony Orchestra the composer conducted, the rest of the programme was conducted by Coates, who overran his rehearsal time at the expense of Elgar's. Lady Elgar wrote, "that brutal selfish ill-mannered bounder ... that brute Coates went on rehearsing." In "The Observer" Newman wrote, "There have been rumours about during the week of inadequate rehearsal. Whatever the explanation, the sad fact remains that never, in all probability, has so great an orchestra made so lamentable an exhibition of itself." Coates remained as chief conductor for two seasons, and after the initial debacle is credited by Morrison with "breathing life and energy into
London Arts Orchestra London Arts Orchestra London Arts Orchestra (LAO) is a UK-based symphony orchestra devoted to cross-arts performance. It was founded in 2009 by Edward Farmer and David Williams. David stepped down from his role as a conductor in 2012 and now assumes the position of chairman for the orchestra. LAO's concerts feature artists, dancers, actors, comedians, designers and talented young professionals from London’s music conservatoires. The orchestra explores new ways of presenting classical music. The London Arts Orchestra is a registered charity in the UK and the orchestra in residence at Christ Church Spitalfields in London, England. On 2 February 2014,