The troupe of Central Conservatory of Music, China National Symphony Orchestra Chorus's predecessor, was founded in 1949.  In 1956, the troupe and Symphony Orchestra merged and the new Central Philharmonic Society of China was established, which was to be renamed China National Symphony Orchestra.  China National Symphony Orchestra Chorus consists of 60 singers who have all been honour students of the major conservatories in China.

In the early 50's, the Chorus won Gold Medal and Silver Medal at two International Choral Festivals for Youth respectively.  In 1959, the Chorus made its debut of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in China.  In 1979, its appearance in the 1st International Choral Festival hosted by the Philippines was highly acclaimed in general, with its clear and sweet voice attracting special attention in particular.  In 1985, its performance received warm welcome in the Yellow River Festival.  The Chorus won First Prize for Performing Arts in the 2nd Beijing Choral Festival in 1986.  In its 1992 tour of Singapore, the Chorus obtained a thunderous ovation from the enthusiastic local audience for both the Chinese and Western choral masterpieces, especially the Yellow River Cantata.  In August 1993, the Chorus visited United States and Canada, during which it participated the 3rd International Choral Festival Seminar in Vancouver.  Its concerts in ten cities of Malaise were considered significant culture events by local audience.  Its tour of the six cities in Taiwan in 1993 and 1995 promoted the mutual understanding between compatriots of both sides of the Strait.  After Hong Kong's return to China in 1997, the Chorus presented three concerts of different repertoire during its second visit of Hong Kong.  In 1998, it was invited to perform in the 12th Macao International Music Festival.

Besides touring both inside and outside China, the Chorus has recorded for film, television, radio broadcast and album as well.

Growing increasingly mature in the past decades of rigorous training and performance, the chorus is now widely recognized as one featured by its both faithful and creative interpretation of works of various schools and periods, its excellent vocal quality of the singers and extraordinary expressiveness of their voice which never fail to impress.