Founded in 1880 by João Arroyo, Orfeon began rehearsing on 29 October under the name Sociedade Choral do Orpheon Académico. Its first public performance took place on 7 December that year, during the commemorations of the 300th anniversary of the death of Luís de Camões.
The choir's development has been shaped by historical events. During the First World War, Portugal's participation in the conflict made it difficult to recruit singers. After the revolution of 25 April 1974, changes in university life were reflected within the choir, including the addition of female voices.
Since its foundation, Orfeon has performed across Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia, as well as throughout mainland Portugal and its islands. It represented Portugal at Europalia 91, Expo '98 and UNESCO, and was the first Portuguese choir to sing in St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.
Two complementary ensembles also developed alongside the choir: a Portuguese traditional music group and a Coimbra Fado group. Singers such as Luís Góis and José Afonso were among those who took part.