Philharmonic Orchestra of the Karelian State Philharmonic was founded in 1933, drawing the best performers in Petrozavodsk at the time. Over the years, the Philharmonic Orchestra was led by famous conductors such as Leopold Teplitskii, Alexander Dmitriev, Edward Chivzhel, Oleg Soldatov, Marius Stravinsky. Since the beginning of the concert season 2013/2014 the post of artistic director and chief conductor was taken by the conductor from St. Petersburg Anatoly Rybalko.
Currently the Philharmonic Orchestra employs 79 musicians, graduates from the Petrozavodsk and St. Petersburg State Conservatoires (including honoured artists of Russia and Karelia, award winners of international competitions).
Philharmonic Orchestra performs in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities of Russia and Karelia. The touring map includes Germany, Poland, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, Finland. Partnership with the Philharmonic Orchestra of the city of Joensuu (Finland) deserves a special mention.