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 Shostakovich Orchestra received from ticket sales. The London Shostakovich Choir was formed in May 2011 to perform the 2nd Symphony with the Orchestra. London Shostakovich Orchestra The London Shostakovich Orchestra is an orchestra based in St. Cyprian's Church on Glentworth Street in Marylebone, London, England. Founded in November 1999, its conductor is Christopher Cox and the leader is Jonathan Lee. They first performed in May 2000, and have performed over a dozen concerts to date (as of May 2011). It was named in honour of 20th century Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, on whose compositions the orchestra places heavy emphasis. In 2014 they