[2] The orchestra was established in February 1965, with the purpose of serving both the national Radio and Television networks of Spain, as well as the Festivales de España.

Its first concert occurred on 27 May 1965, conducted by Igor Markevich, at the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid.

In 1968, Odón Alonso subsequently became co-principal conductor alongside Enrique García Asensio.

The orchestra's current principal conductor is Christoph König, as of the 2023–2024 season.

[3] In March 2024, the orchestra announced the appointment of Thomas Dausgaard as its next principal guest conductor, effective with the 2024–2025 season.