New Recordings on Hold at CBC Records

A cloud hangs over the future of CBC Records in producing new recordings of classical music or other genres, according to Arthur Kaptainis's report in today's Montreal Gazette. Over the past weekend, the Canadian label's recording of Barber, Korngold and Walton concertos featuring violinist James Ehnes with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra conducted by Bramwell Tovey won a Grammy Award in the Best Instrumental Soloist Performance with Orchestra category. Despite the recognition being the label's first Grammy, the news is bittersweet.

"We are certainly in a different situation now," Randy Barnard, general manager of CBC Records, said the day after the Grammy ceremonies in Los Angeles. "There are changes at CBC Radio 2 and (the French FM network) Espace musique. We have been refocusing our intent to non-classical releases."

But even the non-classical outlook is cloudy.

Barnard confirmed that CBC Records has nothing "in the can" - industry jargon for a completed recording pending release - in any genre.