Howard Cable

Howard Cable, CM, has been a leading figure in the musical life of Canada for over 50 years. He studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto with Sir Ernest MacMillan, Ettore Mazzoleni and Healey Willan. His early years were spent in radio when he succeeded Percy Faith on CBC in 1941. He has composed and conducted over 1000 radio dramas and variety programs. For several years, the Howard Cable Concert Band was heard nationally on the CBC and throughout the U.S. on the Mutual Radio Network. On television, he was musical director and arranger for many celebrated telecasts, including the highly popular “Showtime.”

Cable’s familiarity with a broad range of repertoire has kept him in demand as a composer and arranger, for the Elmer Iseler Singers, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Sharon, Lois and Bram, the Toronto Children’s Chorus, True North Brass and the Hannaford Street Silver Band. This has resulted in the recording of his compositions and arrangements on many record labels and performances worldwide.

His work in musical theatre has led to notable collaborations. On Broadway, he arranged for Richard Rodgers, Meredith Willson and Frank Loesser. In the entertainment world, he has conducted for Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, Bob Hope, Victor Borge and Danny Kaye. In Canada, his theatrical credits include appearances as guest conductor at the Banff and Shaw festivals and he has provided numerous scores for the Charlottetown Festival.

His 20-year association with the Canadian Brass has resulted in his writing over 80 compositions and arrangements. He has arranged for the Canadian Brass collaboration with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as well as their Lincoln Center concerts with the New York Philharmonic Brass.

Compositions
O Canada
Ontario Pictures
Point Pelee
Scottish Rhapsody