The orchestra was founded in 1949. It is the most important orchestra for symphonies in the Slovak Republic, and forms the center of musical life in the capital, Bratislava, whose music dates back to the eighteenth century, and is associated with pioneering composers such as Johan Nepomuk Hummel, Franz Schmidt, and Béla Bartok. The program includes in each season a group of symphonic concerts revolving around certain themes, concerts, and special concerts for children and young listeners.