Bill Richardson, the popular host of Richardson's Roundup and Canada Reads, will host CBC Radio Two's flagship classical performance show.

The Sunday afternoon program, which has yet to be named, will feature live performances and a revamped Saturday Afternoon at the Opera.

"Bill's talent as a host, and his breadth of experience in music and the performing arts, will be a definite asset in connecting these two important programs with audiences," Jennifer McGuire, CBC Radio executive director of programming, said in a statement.

The programs will air weekend afternoons, beginning in the fall.

Richardson has been with CBC Radio since 1984, and on both Radio One and Radio Two on programs such Crosswords, As You Like It, Richardson's Roundup, Bunny Watson, Ten Times Table and Canada Reads.

As a lyricist, he has collaborated with composers Rodney Sharman and Cameron Wilson, and also worked as a narrator with Quartetto Gelato, the Vancouver Summer Chamber Music Festival, Stratford Summer Music and the CBC Radio Orchestra.

A Stephen Leacock Award-winning author and columnist, he wrote the Bachelor Brothers Bed & Breakfast, Waiting for Gertrude, After Hamelin and, most recently, a picture book for kids called The Aunts Come Marching.

CBC Radio Two has revamped its evening schedule with Tonic, Canada Live and The Signal, and the second stage of its redevelopment involves changes to weekend programs.