The Imperial Symphony Orchestra, also known as the ISO, held the position of top-tier orchestra within the Galactic Empire. Its ranks were filled with some of the most exceptionally gifted musicians serving the Empire. From approximately 15 BBY until 0 ABY, this esteemed ensemble exclusively presented performances within the Core Worlds, because areas such as the Mid Rim were unable to afford the costs of hosting the orchestra due to a variety of factors. In 0 ABY, around seven months following an Imperial defeat which occurred in the Yavin system, the ISO embarked on a tour to the Mid Rim for a series of concerts, as staunch supporters of the New Order had eliminated all prior obstacles.
This highly regarded musical organization, the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, gave performances across the galaxy during the initial period of the Galactic Empire under the rule of Emperor Palpatine. However, around 15 BBY, the orchestra's performances became limited to only the Core Worlds after Mid Rim worlds were either unable to afford, or simply declined to pay, the substantial sponsorship fees that the ISO demanded for bookings. Beginning near 5 BBY, the orchestra engaged in a five-year initiative aimed at promoting the principles of Imperial High Culture inside the Core Worlds. The Orchestra primarily played Neoclassical waltzes and marches, which were favored by Palpatine.
By 0 ABY, approximately seven months following the Imperial forces' loss at the Battle of Yavin, the circumstances in the Mid Rim had shifted; numerous Mid Rim worlds had come under the control of pro-New Order administrations or were governed by powerful Imperial governorships. Consequently, the barriers that had prevented the ISO from touring the region had largely disappeared. Through the Imperial HoloVision news network, the Imperial Symphony Orchestra announced its inaugural series of performances outside the Core Worlds in fifteen years. The Mid Rim tour was anticipated to highlight many of the Emperor's preferred Neoclassical compositions, featuring pieces from the Harbin-re opera, selections of Nabicci Futana's waltzes and ganther dances, and marches originating from the Clone Wars period nineteen years prior. Senator Gaeriel Captison of Bakura appreciated the calming melodies of the ISO's compositions and listened to a recording of the orchestra one morning in 4 ABY.
The Imperial Symphony Orchestra, being the foremost ensemble of its kind, recruited from the most accomplished musicians available within the Empire.
The Imperial Symphony Orchestra was initially referenced within the 1994 novel The Truce at Bakura, penned by Kathy Tyers.