The Moscow State Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra was established under the guidance of Alexander Mikhailov, an honoured artist of Russia, in 1978. The group started its creative activities as a radio and television variety symphony orchestra. Owing to their high degree of professionalism and wide classic repertoire, in 1990 it was arwarded the new name, the Moscow State RTV Symphony Orchestra.

The orchestra has been receiving constant recognition for its brilliant performances of a wide range of works in the best concert halls of Russia and overseas (Spain, Italy, Germany, South Korea, China, Hong Kong). From 1998 Nicolai Alekseev, an honoured artist and winner of the International Herbert von Karajan Competition, became chief conductor of the orchestra.

Since 1997 the orchestra has been a member of the Russian Federal Service for Television and Broadcasting. The orchestra has also started new cultural and educational activities. As well as giving live performances, it has received the right to develop its own radio and television programmes.