The National Symphony Orchestra was established by an order of the first President of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in 1959.  The  National Symphony Orchestra was formed by the late Philip Gbeho.with the goal of not only introducing European classical music to Ghana and Africa, but also developing a culture and platform for publishing and performing of Afro-classical music.

When the National Theatre was established the National Symphony Orchestra  became one of the three resident groups of the Theatre.

Over the years the National Symphony Orchestra Ghana has become an internationally recognized orchestra performing on many prestigious occasions at the local, national and international level.

Through collaborations with some of the best conductors and guest artists on the National and International music scene, the National Symphony Orchestra Ghana, performs well over fifty concerts each year. From previous music directors such as N.Z Nayo, Acquaah-Harrison, and Lahnor Adjartey to the current Isaac Annoh, the orchestra continues to show steady growth in dexterity.