This orchestra was founded in 1920, as the “Tokyo Imperial University Music Club.” Back then, there were no professional orchestras in Japan, and the only amateur orchestras that existed were those in the Ministry of Imperial Household, music schools, and a few universities, such as Kyushu University and Keio University. This orchestra developed during the Taisho and early Showa Period, despite its lack of access to instruments and scores. Because of this, many pieces were first played in Japan by this orchestra. After the Second World War, another orchestra in the Komaba Campus was founded. These two orchestras were acted separately at first, but eventually merged in 1953. After that, the newly formed orchestra developed significantly, especially from 1959, when Masaaki Hayakawa became the permanent conductor of this orchestra. It began to play more contemporary classical music, and the number of members continued to increase, quickly exceeding 100. It also went on a concert tour to Europe in 1966. The orchestra confronted many challenges after that, such as the decrease of members due to the cease of member recruitment during the “Todai Dispute”. Nevertheless, these challenges have been overcome and the orchestra has currently become a large-scale one of approximately 130 members. Since its foundation, the orchestra has produced many pioneers in the music industry, such as Hidemaro Konoe, Sadao Bekku, Masaaki Hayakawa, and many others. It also performs concerts in various places around Japan annually.