The Philadelphia Orchestra, one of the world's most influential symphony orchestras, has a rich history and many outstanding achievements.
The orchestra was founded in 1900 by the German conductor Fritz Scheel (1852–1907), based on semi-professional and amateur ensembles in Philadelphia. Scheel arrived in the United States in 1893. He conducted rehearsals in German, and German music dominated the programmes. American musicians were soon replaced by half European guest musicians.

The ensemble's first performance under the baton of F. Scheel took place in the autumn of 1900 at the Academy of Music, the city's main concert hall. The programme included ‘The Ride of the Valkyries’ by Richard Wagner, ‘Serenade for Strings’ by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Symphony No. 5. by Ludwig van Beethoven.

The first seasons were not financially successful, but thanks to the support of patrons, the orchestra survived. Initially, the Philadelphia Orchestra had about 80 musicians and gave six concerts a year; over the next few seasons, the orchestra grew to 100 musicians and the number of concerts increased to 44 a year.

The next principal conductor of the ensemble (1907–1912) was also German – Karl Pohlig (1858-1828). The orchestra did not get along with him, and his contract was terminated a year early with a penalty payment. The orchestra was then led by the brilliant musician Leopold Stokowski (1882–1977), and a new chapter in the ensemble's history began.

Leopold Stokowski, who led the orchestra from 1912 to 1938, radically transformed it, changing the seating arrangement of the musicians and creating the unique ‘Philadelphia sound’ – rich and warm, with expressive woodwind timbres. Under his leadership, the American premieres of works by Scriabin, Mahler, Shostakovich and Stravinsky (including ‘The Rite of Spring) took place.

Eugene Ormandy joined the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1936, working alongside Leopold Stokowski for two seasons before becoming the orchestra's music director and principal conductor in 1938. Ormandy continued the tradition, bringing the orchestra to world-class status. After World War II (1939-1945), the Philadelphia Orchestra gained a reputation as one of the best orchestras in the world. Under the leadership of Eugene Ormandy, by 1950 – the ensemble had toured the United Kingdom, in 1955 – it undertook a major tour of Europe, in 1958 – it gave 12 concerts in the USSR (Moscow, Leningrad, Kiev), followed by numerous tours in many countries around the world. Ormandy remained in his position until 1980, more than 40 years, remaining the orchestra's conductor until the end of his life. Under his leadership, the orchestra released three gold records and won two Grammy Awards.

The Philadelphia Orchestra gives approximately 130 concerts a year in Pennsylvania and around the world. Since 2012, the position of conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra has been held by the successful Canadian conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin (born in 1975).

Notable conductors who have led the orchestra:
Fritz Scheel (1900–1907)
Karl Pohlig (1908–1912)
Leopold Stokowski (1912–1938)
Eugene Ormandy (1936–1980)
Riccardo Muti (1980–1992)
Wolfgang Sawallisch (1993–2003)
Christoph Eschenbach (2003–2008)
Charles Dutoit (2008–2012)
Yannick Nézet-Séguin (since 2012)

Musical selection to mark the 125^th anniversary of the Philadelphia Orchestra foundation – one of the symbols of American and global musical culture, combining tradition with innovation, is posted in the museum Library of sound recordings.

The Philadelphia Orchestra remains one of the symbols of American and global musical culture, combining tradition with innovation.