While most concerts presented are in the Burnside Ballroom, the orchestra sometimes repeats performances outside the Adelaide metropolitan area, offering rural towns the chance to hear live performances of popular classical music.

[2] Its main instigator was Dr John Nicholson Black, a flautist and conductor who, while originating from the UK, was residing and working in Adelaide as Senior Agronomist at the Waite Institute.

The City of Burnside supported the orchestra at this time and has continued to do so throughout its history.

Charities have included Save the Children,[6] Burnside Rotary,[7] Royal District Nursing Society and Sailability.

[8] Past conductors have included Malcolm John, David Cubbin, Bob Cooper, Jim Ferguson, Alfonse Anthony, Joanna Drimatis,[9] Martin Butler,[10] Bruce Stewart, Kim Worley[8] and Bryan Griffiths.