 The historical roots of the orchestra date back to 1662.The precursor ensemble was the "Hofkapelle der Markgrafen von Baden-Durlach" (Court Orchestra of the Margrave of Baden-Durlach).Early leaders of the orchestra included Giuseppe Beniventi (1712–1718), Casimir Schweizelsberger, Johann Philipp Käfer, and Johann Melchior Molter, who led the orchestra for 40 years.