What is the difference between a symphonic orchestra and a philharmonic orchestra?
None! “Orchestra” is the Greek word describing the circular space occupied by the chorus in ancient Greek theater, and its name was transferred to the similar shape made by groups of musicians, especially string players. Today the word is commonly used to describe a larger group of instrumentalists that includes a number of strings. A string quartet isn’t an orchestra. A brass band isn’t an orchestra. A concert band isn’t an orchestra. But a dance band that included a few violins might be an orchestra, if that’s what they wanted to call themselves. So it all depends on whether there are “strings attached.” Now for a further Greek lesson. “philharmonic” means “loving harmony,” and “symphonic” comes from “sounding together”: both are words that could well describe what orchestras do. Although “philharmonic” and “symphony” are completely interchangeable in their meanings, other adjectives pop up now and again that actually change the function of the orchestra. A chamber orchestra is insta
