The FSO originated in 1961 with the formation of the Melville Orchestral Society, which over several years grew in stature to become the Melville Symphony Orchestra. In 1981 the orchestra, by then recognised as part of Perth's musical establishment, crossed the Swan River to become the Nedlands Symphony Orchestra. In 1993, following an agreement with the City of Fremantle, the orchestra took on its current name. The orchestra aims to foster and promote the enjoyment of music in the cultural life of Fremantle and Perth. The orchestra has about 50 amateur musicians spread over its 4 instrumental sections, namely strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion.
Rehearsals are weekly.
While the orchestra's activities centre around performance of symphonic works, the orchestral members have a rich experience in chamber music. Many players are members of Perth classical ensembles and attend an annual music camp in Albany in the far South West of Western Australia. At one of its concerts in 1999 the orchestra's string, wind and brass sections will perform separately in chamber ensembles. The Fremantle Symphony Orchestra actively encourages composers resident in Western Australia to write for symphony orchestra. The orchestra has commenced a program of commissioning new works from those composers believed capable of writing music that will be technically feasible and aesthetically enjoyable for amateur musicians and their audience.