The National Symphony Orchestra of Panama was founded on May 27, 1941 with the support of the National Government and on the initiative of maestro Herbert De Castro who was its first director. Since its inception it has functioned under the organizational structure of the National Institute of Culture (INAC) now Ministry of Culture. The orchestra has tackled all kinds of symphonic repertoire ranging from Bach to Mahler or Bruckner, without neglecting the more traditional classical repertoire such as Mozart, Haydn, Brahms or Beethoven.