Notable past music directors of the orchestra have included André Cluytens (beginning in 1932) and Georges Prêtre (1951–1955), but the Orchestre du Capitole rose to international prominence during Michel Plasson's tenure as music director, from 1968 to 2003.
Within twelve years, Plasson's insistence of higher artistic standards and goals had improved the orchestra's reputation.
He also created a fundraising group called 'Aida', which has many large business donors, most notably Airbus, as well as banks.
In 2005, the city named Tugan Sokhiev principal guest conductor and musical adviser of the orchestra.
[2] In March 2022, Sokhiev resigned as the orchestra's music director, citing pressure to make a public statement regarding the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.