It was created in 1931, on the initiative of Uzeyir Hajibeyov, founder of professional Azerbaijani music, according to principles of the Symphony Orchestra.

It was of great importance in the development of national musical culture of Azerbaijan.

Initially the orchestra consisted of only five instruments: tar, kamancha, balaban, daf and naghara.

It successfully tours throughout the world and has performed in many prestigious international festivals.

In 2004 and 2005, the orchestra was awarded the Gizil Chang premium of the 19th and 20th Fajr Festival of International Music held in Tehran.