Nevertheless, its history can be traced to the beginning of the 20th century, when under the initiative of Juan Bautista Alfonseca, the Octet of the Youth Casino was founded in Santo Domingo.
Since its beginning in 1904 the Octet turned into an active group, conducted by Maestro José de Jesús Ravelo, which diffused classical music.
The support offered to the public was so enthusiastic that before its first year the Octet had been established as a small chamber orchestra (although it always maintained its original name) with a regular program of concerts.
At the same time, in 1932, the Santo Domingo Symphony Orchestra was formed, conducted by Maestros Enrique Mejia Arredondo and Julio Alberto Hernández.
Presidential Decree 245-09 dated March 20, 2009 designates maestro José Antonio Molina as Principal Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra.