Flautist, conductor, writer and composer, Meredith Willson led a colourful life that began when at just 19 he was appointed principal flute of the famous Sousa band. A period in ‘serious’ music as composer and conductor for the National Broadcasting Corporation, changed course when he moved into the film industry writing background music. That was the forerunner of a major career composing Broadway musicals. Where most others have failed, he successfully composed to light music symphonies of ready attraction, and clothed in the most attractive orchestral colours.