Established in 1923 as the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra, the orchestra has 68 professional musicians and a full season of over 180 performances, including a fine arts series, a chamber series, a popular series, and performances with the Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre and Ballet Quad Cities.

The orchestra principally performs at the Paramount Theatre located in downtown Cedar Rapids.

They also perform regular concerts at Iowa City West High School.

The orchestra showcases its artistic excellence each season through an accomplished array of classical, ballet, opera, popular and chamber performances, in addition to extensive community education and involvement.

Its first concert was held on April 23, 1923 in the Sinclair Auditorium at Coe College, with general admission costing $0.75 and season tickets for $5.