Fredric Cooper and his Tipica Orchestra was formed especially for radio just after the war and with many a half-hour spot allocated to live studio light music in those distant days, there was no shortage of broadcasting opportunities for the many speciality orchestras, each having their own style. The Tipica Orchestra made the first of its 143 appearances on 'Music While You Work' in 1951, playing tuneful light music with the emphasis on Latin American rhythms. Little is known about Fredric Cooper other than the fact that he was a violinist leading an orchestra at the Lyons' Corner House in London's Coventry Street back in the late thirties when he would 'table hop', playing requests for the restaurant's customers (whether they wanted it or not!).

Accordionist Gerald Crossman played with the Tipica Orchestra throughout its existence, together with other distinguished musicians such as trumpeter Bill Shakespeare and the famous classical clarinettist Jack Brymer, who apparently loved doing MWYW. Several of the 14 players in the orchestra found themselves doubling on percussion during the Latin numbers. The orchestra was also heard many times in 'Bright and Early' and 'Morning Music'. By the mid-sixties, orchestras such as Fredric Cooper's were deemed 'unfashionable' by certain BBC officials and with crude pop music gradually taking over the airwaves Fredric Cooper was displaced, along with many other orchestras and ensembles who dared to purvey cheerful and tuneful music.

According to the Radio Times, a tipica orchestra is one whose repertoire is always typical of its country of origin, but, as Fredric Cooper sometimes played contemporary showtunes as rumbas and sambas, I do not think that he was governed by that definition! Fredric Cooper is thought to have retired to the West Country, but if he is still alive, he has certainly disappeared into the mists of time.

Listen to Fredric Cooper and his Tipica Orchestra
playing 'Tanto Gusto' by Gerald Crossman
(60 second clip)

Light Programme at 8.30 a.m. on 5th. July 1953
Played by FREDRIC COOPER AND HIS TIPICA ORCHESTRA

MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK at 3.31 p.m. on 6th October 1961
played by Fredric Cooper and his Tipica Orchestra