The Columbia Symphony Orchestra

The Columbia Symphony Orchestra was a studio ensemble assembled in the 1950s and 1960s by Columbia Records for recording classical music. Comprised of skilled freelance musicians rather than a permanent, full-time orchestra, it allowed for flexible, high-quality performances of a wide repertoire. The orchestra was led by prominent conductors like Igor Stravinsky and Leonard Bernstein, producing acclaimed recordings that helped popularize classical works. Its recordings remain respected for their interpretative insight and technical excellence, contributing significantly to the dissemination and appreciation of orchestral music during that era.