The WFMT broadcasts were also an initiative from the orchestra. They began in 1972, when Ardash Marderosian, Lyric’s Principal Trombone at the time, approached WFMT to do a single broadcast of Rossini’s Semiramide. Management let the radio station come in and place microphones discreetly, and singers Marilyn Horne and Joan Sutherland agreed to the broadcast for a nominal fee. This eventually led to the entire season being broadcast by separate contract with WFMT, who found sponsors. The broadcasts ultimately became syndicated, with Lyric taking on the responsibility of finding sponsors.
