American symphony orchestra based in Los Angeles, Calif. It was founded in 1919 by William Andrews Clark, Jr. Its music directors have been Walter Henry Rothwell (1919–27), Georg Schneevoigt (1927–29), Artur Rodzinski (1929–33), Otto Klemperer (1933–39), Alfred Wallenstein (1943–56), Eduard van Beinum (1956–59), Zubin Mehta (1962–78), Carlo Maria Giulini (1978–84), Andre Previn (1985–89), and Esa-Pekka Salonen (from 1989, music director designate; from 1992, director).

The orchestra promotes arts festivals, lectures, and free concerts for audiences of all ages. Two performing arms of the orchestra are the Philharmonic Chamber Music Society and the Philharmonic New Music Group; the orchestra vigorously champions contemporary music. During the winter season, the Philharmonic performs at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Los Angeles Music Center and, during summers, at the Hollywood Bowl. Since 1997, winter concerts have been held at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a theatre of the Music Center complex.

In 1992 the Philharmonic was the first American orchestra in residence at the Salzburg (Austria) Festival, presenting operas and symphonic concerts. In 1994 the orchestra toured Europe and Asia.