The ZKO also performs in Zurich at the Schauspielhaus Zürich, the ZKO-Haus in the Seefeld quarter of the city, and such churches as the Fraumünster and the Kirche St. Peter.
Edmond de Stoutz founded the ZKO in the aftermath of World War II, and led its first concerts in 1945.
Sir Roger Norrington was its fourth principal conductor, starting with the 2011–2012 season.
The ZKO made its Boston debut in 1967 for the Peabody Mason Concert series.
The ZKO has made commercial recordings for such labels as Omega, Novalis, Claves, Teldec, CPO, and Sony.