Founded by the renowned Puerto Rican pianist, composer and conductor Arturo Somohano, the orchestra made its debut in 1950 at San Juan's Tapia Theater, one of the oldest performance venues in the hemisphere.

For more than 60 years, the Philharmonic has maintained an uninterrupted schedule of appearances before a broad spectrum of audiences, ranging from rural towns to major cities on the island and abroad. The ensemble has attained the status of cultural patrimony and goodwill ambassador for the Puerto Rican people.