The IYO was established in December 1990 by the conductor Kim Il-Jin, who gathered 42 young performers from across the country.
[4] The IYO's principal conductor is Ryong-Ung Kang and concertmaster is Cheol-Ryong Kim.
The IYO performs a wide repertoire with both domestic and foreign works, from Bach to Isang Yun.
Some IYO members also play in the State Symphony Orchestra of DPRK and the Merited Female Instrumental Ensemble of the Mansudae Art Troupe.
In 2005, the South Korean recording company Synnara Music released four CDs which contain North Korean orchestral works performed by SSO, IYO and other music troupes of North Korea.