The Philadelphia Orchestra

American symphony orchestra based at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is one of the "Big Five" US orchestras.

Founded in 1900 by Fritz Scheel, the orchestra gained international prominence under Leopold Stokowski, who served as music director from 1912 onward. Stokowski established the orchestra's renowned "Philadelphia Sound" and led pioneering recording sessions, including the first electrical orchestra recording in 1925 and the landmark multi-track stereophonic soundtrack for Walt Disney's Fantasia in 1939-40.

Eugene Ormandy joined as co-conductor in 1936 and became music director in 1938, remaining in the role until 1980. During his 42-year tenure, Ormandy conducted the orchestra's most celebrated recordings for RCA Victor and Columbia Records, and led the historic 1973 tour of the People's Republic of China—the first Western orchestra to visit in many decades.

Subsequent music directors have included Riccardo Muti (1980-1992), Wolfgang Sawallisch (1993-2003), and Christoph Eschenbach (2003-2008). Charles Dutoit served as chief conductor from 2008-2012, followed by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, appointed music director in 2012.

The orchestra has recorded for major labels including RCA Victor, Columbia Masterworks, EMI, Philips, Teldec, and Ondine. In December 2001, the orchestra performed its inaugural concerts at the Kimmel Center, its home since relocating from The Academy of Music.