[2] The CBCWO was established in 1947 under the leadership of conductor Eric Wild.
During his tenure he conducted the premieres of several works by Canadian composers.
He notably recorded Calixa Lavallée's comic opera The Widow with the CBCWO in 1967.
[4][5][6] Upon Wild's retirement in 1974, the CBCWO's concertmaster Arthur Polson served as interim director.
In April 1975 Boris Brott was appointed conductor of the orchestra.