The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra has been part of the city's musical heritage continuously since its debut in October 1944, and dramatically expanded its concert programming in the 1945-1946 season, presenting 14 programs with pianist William Kapell, violinist Yehudi Menuhin and tenor Mario Lanza among the guest artists. Over the years, the Philharmonic has performed with many renowned pop artists, including Benny Goodman, Skitch Henderson, Burt Bacharach, Aretha Franklin, Doc Severinsen, The Smothers Brothers and Air Supply.

Today, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic carries on its musical tradition. Its 480 orchestra and chamber ensemble performances are attended by more than 220,000 people. The Fort Wayne Philharmonic's nine-month season is comprised of the Masterworks (full orchestra), Spectrum (Chamber Orchestra), Saturday Nite Pops, Unplugged, and Freimann Series. Since 1980 the orchestra has won five awards for adventuresome programming" from ASCAP, the American Society of composers, Authors and Publishers. In addition, its Education Programs are created to inspire the love of classical music in people of all ages.

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