The orchestra was founded in 1956 by Wolfgang Schneiderhan and Rudolf Baumgartner as part of the Lucerne International Music Festival (today: Lucerne Festival); the latter directed it until 1998. His successor as artistic director was Achim Fiedler who held the position from 1998 to summer 2012.The Australian-Swiss violinist Daniel Dodds has been artistic director since the 2012/2013 season.
The orchestra was founded in 1956 by Wolfgang Schneiderhan and Rudolf Baumgartner as part of the Lucerne International Music Festival (today: Lucerne Festival); the latter directed it until 1998.  Achim Fiedler succeeded him as artistic director, holding the position from 1998 to summer 2012. Daniel Dodds has been the artistic director since the 2012/2013 season.