Although the late Queen’s Coronation was outside the main Hallé Concert Season, the occasion did not go uncelebrated. On 18 May 1953, a string orchestra made up of Hallé players, appeared at the Glossop & District Music Club Coronation Concert. Led by Sir John Barbirolli, and featuring Evelyn Rothwell as soloist, the concert included music by Arthus Bliss, Holst, Delius and Barbirolli’s Concerto for Oboe.

The following month on the 3 June (the day after the ceremony), the orchestra appeared at the Civic Hall in Wolverhampton for a Coronation Concert, conducted by Barbirolli. Works by Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Lambert and Barbirolli featured in the concert.