Founded in 1937,[1] the orchestra made its first performance on February 16, 1938, under the direction of Richard Oppenheim.
[2] On February 16, 1938, the Canton Symphony Orchestra held its first concert at the City Auditorium for over 3,300 people.
[6] The conductor of the time, Michael Charry, accomplished this by increasing their annual performances from seven to twenty-one, some of which were children's concerts.
[6] Charry also increased the annual budget and involved fourth and fifth grade students in their programming.
[7] Before its construction, the administrative staff worked in a windowless office at the Canton Cultural Center for the Arts while the musicians prepared for concerts in the McKinley High School.