Founded in the 1940's, the New Orleans Civic Symphony has provided concerts for the southern Louisiana area and a venue for talented amatuer musicians for over six decades.During the early years the group first rehearsed at various churches in the uptown area and then at Dixon Hall on the Tulane Campus. Conductors during that time included Don Hazlet and Ewing Poteet. Performances were held at Gallier Hall, Audubon Park, City Park and at other halls in the area.

Gordon Brown took over the directorship of the orchestra in the mid 1970s and the orchestra expanded its activities; in addition to New Orleans area the NOCS has subsequently performed in Slidell, in Lutcher and at the Madewood Plantation.

In the late 1980's the orchestra moved its rehearsal and performance location to the Performing Arts Center at The University of New Orleans. Conductors since that move include Milton Bush, David Nelson, William Chute, Charles Taylor and James Hammann.