CRB Classical 99.5

In 2009, WCRB became a listener-supported station, as part of the WGBH Educational Foundation. Previously, WCRB was a commercially-operated station, founded in 1948, with a history of classical music broadcasting dating back to the 1950s. Meanwhile, in 1951, WGBH Radio went on the air for the first time, with a live broadcast of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from Symphony Hall. Composer Aaron Copland spoke from the stage, calling WGBH a bright new hope among radio stations. Classical music remained a cornerstone of WGBHs profile for decades, featuring iconic voices like those of William Pierce and Robert J. Lurtsema. The addition of WCRB to the WGBH family brought with it unprecedented growth in the public radio audience in Boston and around New England.