The RTÉ Concert Orchestra is one of two professional orchestras funded by Ireland's national broadcasting service. It was founded in 1948 as the Radio Eireann Light Orchestra and employed just 22 players. Its first 30 years were mostly studio-based, with only occasional public concerts. The appointment of Proinnsías Ó Duinn as Principal conductor in 1978 saw the orchestra enter a new and exciting phase. Firstly, there was a highly successful North-American tour in 1980, taking in 63 concerts in 75 days. Secondly, with the opening of The National Concert Hall, a number of concert series was established, with some setting box-office records. The repertoire ranged from the Classics to Lloyd Webber, from Opera Gala nights to Film Music extravaganzas. The Music for Fun concerts developed a young audience and the orchestra's national image was boosted by more regular touring and increased involvement with television, including no less than six Eurovision Song Contests. The orchestra has now expanded to 45 contract players and recent years have seen further USA tours under the orchestra's "Spirit of Ireland" banner, a range of commercial recordings, including Riverdance and a successful partnership with Opera Ireland. In 2000, the RTÉCO performed for President McAleese and other dignatories at Expo 2000, the world's largest exhibition. It also appeared in a new TV series with Gay Byrne and is performing an innovative range of concerts throughout Ireland.