The orchestra originated from a trio led by Hugo Schütz [ru], who on 18 December 1926 played the first concert broadcast by Tallinn Radio.
Despite Soviet repertoire policies, Matsov performed sacred works by Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frederic Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven.
He also conducted the Soviet premieres of works by Igor Stravinsky, Arnold Schoenberg, Anton Webern, and Carl Orff.
In addition to their live performances, the orchestra has been the recipient of several prizes including a Grammy Award (conductor Paavo Järvi).
The orchestra has premiered symphonic works by almost every major Estonian composer including Arvo Pärt, Erkki-Sven Tüür, Tõnu Kõrvits, and Eduard Tubin.