Background to the collection
The Orchestra Collection is comprised of roughly 2,500 works, each consisting of one or more full sets of orchestral parts. Some works also include piano or conductor’s scores. Many pieces in the collection are original compositions and unique arrangements from the golden age of radio, when orchestral music of all styles featured prominently in broadcasts of both live and recorded programs. The remaining works largely consist of standard orchestral repertoire, such as concertos, overtures, symphonies and suites.
Originally part of the CBC Radio Orchestra Library in Toronto and Vancouver, the collection is made available thanks to the generosity of the National Broadcast Orchestra.
How to borrow
Works in the collection are available for loan to professional, community and school orchestras. To borrow from the Orchestra Music Collection, orchestras must be registered with the Library. Please email a completed Registration Form to: turquhart@westvanlibrary.ca.
How to search the collection
The Orchestra Collection is kept in closed storage. You can easily search and browse this collection in our Classic Catalogue using a Firefox, Chrome or Safari browser (not Internet Explorer).
For help searching this collection or more information on borrowing please call email turquhart@westvanlibrary.ca or phone 604.925.7446.