In 1931, the EIAR, Italy's newly formed public radio authority, founded its first symphony orchestra in Turin.

Subsequent radio orchestras were established in Rome (1936), Milan (1950) and Naples (1948, integrated to the RAI in 1956).

From 1996 to 2001, Eliahu Inbal held the title of Direttore onorario (honorary conductor) of the orchestra.

Jeffrey Tate was principal guest conductor of the orchestra from 1998 to 2002, and had the title of Direttore onorario until July 2011.

On the basis of this appearance, the orchestra announced the appointment of Orozco-Estrada as its next principal conductor, effective October 2023, with an initial contract of three seasons.