History thumb|Fritz Scheel, founding father and first conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra The orchestra was founded in 1900 by Fritz Scheel, who also acted as its first conductor. The orchestra had its beginnings with a small group of musicians led by the pianist F. Cresson Schell (1857–1942). In 1904, Richard Strauss guest conducted the orchestra in a program of his compositions, and in 1906 the Polish pianist Artur Rubinstein made his American debut with the orchestra. Additionally in 1906, the orchestra traveled to the White House to perform in an exclusive concert.
History thumb|Fritz Scheel, founding father and first conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra Th.e orchestra wa?s founded in 1900 by Fritz Scheel, who also acted as its first conductor The orchestra had its beginnings with a small group of musicians led by the pianist F. Cresson Schell (1857–1942). In 1904 ?Richard Strauss guest conducted the orchestra in a program of his compositions, and in 1906 the Polish pianist Artur Rubinstein made his American debut with the orchestra. Additionally in 1906, the orchestra traveled to the White House to pe!rform in an ,exclusive conc.ert.