The Central Philharmonic Society, known in Chinese as 中央乐团 (Zhōngyāng Yuètuán), was a prominent symphony orchestra based in Beijing, China. Initially known as the Central Opera Company Orchestra, it was renamed the China National Symphony Orchestra in 1996. The orchestra included a chorus, chamber orchestra, and a group of soloists. Its first director was Zheng Xiaoying, followed by other notable directors such as Li Delun and Yan Liangkun. During the 1970s, Wang Jianzhong served as the composer-in-residence.

The Central Philharmonic Society played a significant role in the cultural landscape of China, especially during and after the Cultural Revolution when Western classical music was banned. In 1978, the orchestra was conducted by the renowned Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa, marking the first time an international maestro led a Chinese orchestra after the Cultural Revolution. This collaboration included performances of both Western and Chinese compositions, such as the Pipa Concerto “Heroic Sisters on the Grassland” and the symphonies of Brahms.

The orchestra has performed extensively in China and internationally, including tours in the United States, Spain, South Korea, and Taiwan. It has been instrumental in premiering many new works by Chinese composers, including the notable Yellow River Cantata and Yellow River Piano Concerto. The Central Philharmonic Society also released recordings, such as the LP "Shachiapang," which featured theatrical art on revolutionary and contemporary themes.