At the initiative of a group of music lovers from Timișoara, the Philharmonic Society of Timișoara was founded in 1871, following the model of prestigious European musical societies. In the early years rehearsals took place in private houses, but in 1875 the necessary premises were rented in the Opera building. The society had a very diverse repertoire, its performances, masked balls and revels organized annually in the halls of Redutai enjoying a wide appreciation. On the occasion of special events, such as the great Banat Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition of 1891, the Philharmonic Society also organised singing competitions. Over the years, renowned musicians have participated in concerts organized by the Society.  

After the fire that took place in the building of the Timisoara Opera in 1920, the Society had to leave the premises of the building. In this context, due to the municipality's desire to establish a symphony orchestra of the city, in 1920 the Association of Friends of Music in Timișoara was founded, which incorporated some of the instrumentalists of the Philharmonic Society. In 1945 the George Enescu Philharmonic Society was founded, and two years later it became the Banat Philharmonic of Timișoara. The first concert season opened on October 26, 1947, and in 1951 the mixed choir was founded within the Philharmonic. The Timișoara International Music Festival, organized by the Philharmonic, has put Timișoara on the circuit of the great musical cities of the world, this prestigious institution enjoying the presence of conductors and soloists of international value.          

Bibliography:

Ioan Munteanu, Rodica Munteanu, Timișoara. Monograph Mirton Publishing House, Timisoara 2022

Josef Geml, The old Timișoara in the last half of the century 1870-1920, Cosmopolitan Art Publishing House, Timișoara, 2016.

https://filarmonicabanatul.ro/istoric/