Teatro Carlo Felice Orchestra history begins in the early 1900s, its symphonic and opera activity has been continuous ever since; with a repertoire that now ranged from the 17th century to contemporary music, distinguishing itself for its productivity and versatility. Internationally renowned conductors have taken the podium, including Victor De Sabata, Igor Stravinsky, Franco Capuana, Sergiu Celibidache, Hermann Scherchen, Claudio Abbado, Alceo Galliera, Carlo Maria Giulini, Riccardo Muti, Georges Prêtre, Mstislav Rostropovič, Gianandrea Gavazzeni, Daniel Oren, Antonio Pappano, Christian Thielemann, Daniele Gatti, Gennadij Roždestvenskij, Bruno Campanella, Zubin Mehta, Nello Santi, Sir Neville Marriner, Kyrill Petrenko, Hartmut Haenchen, Vladimir Fedoseev, Andrea Battistoni, Fabio Luisi (honorary conductor), Donato Renzetti (emeritus conductor).
Many recordings have been made at the Teatro Carlo Felice, especially of opera productions, for labels such as Deutsche Grammophon, Decca, Sony, TDK, Rai-Trade, Nuova Era Records, Arthaus Musik, Dynamic, Bongiovanni, Denon/Nippon Columbia and BMG-Ricordi.
The high artistic level consolidated over the years has allowed her to take part in prestigious events.
Since 1992, the 'Premio Paganini' International Violin Competition has been held in the renovated Carlo Felice Opera House, which was inaugurated that year.