CBC Radio Orchestra

Formed in 1938, the CBC Radio Orchestra is renowned as an ensemble of passion, versatility and innovation. As North America's last remaining broadcast ensemble, we are a legacy of the days when radio orchestras were to be found all over our continent, as they still are in Europe. Unique not only in our history, we are also set apart by our programming. With an audience made up of radio listeners, rural and urban, throughout the country, we present a rich, musical tapestry that engages, stimulates and challenges our diverse patrons.

CBC Radio Orchestra

The Orchestra's mandate is to make engaging musical radio programs, commission and perform works by Canadian composers, showcase Canadian performers and conductors, and discover and expose Canadian excellence. With Principal Conductor Mario Bernardi at the helm since 1983, we've been fulfilling our mandate and then some! A mainstay of CBC Radio Two, we've branched out in recent years. We now appear regularly on CBC Radio One, and on CBC Television's flagship arts program, "Opening Night."

During our 66-year history, three conductors have stood atop the Orchestra's podium. John "Jack" Avison, the first, was a force to be reckoned with. A talented pianist and conductor, he was polished, disciplined and musically adventurous. Following his retirement in 1980, he passed the baton to acclaimed British conductor John Eliot Gardiner. Under Gardiner's direction, the orchestra focused on Baroque music, even acquiring a set of handmade Baroque bows, and became known as a leading exponent of this captivating musical genre.

In 1983, Mario Bernardi stepped onto the podium, and returned the Orchestra to its roots of performing more Canadian and contemporary music. Today, under Alain Trudel's direction, the Orchestra reflects the musical spirit of Canada.