What is a philharmonic orchestra?

A philharmonic orchestra is a large orchestra of over 50 musicians. Sometimes they can have over 100 musicians.

What do they play?

A philharmonic orchestra will play pieces that requires a great number of instruments like symphonies or concertos.  But they will also play interpretations of contemporary music.

What’s the difference between a Philharmonic and a Symphony Orchestra?

They are the same. The difference is in the name. Often a city will have more than one orchestra, and it is a way of telling them apart – or sometimes philharmonic might reference the group that supports the orchestra. Melbourne for instance has the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as well as the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra. London has the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra and so on.

Watch

John Williams

Imperial March (Star Wars: Episode V) by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

Listen

Pink Floyd

Wish you were here by London Philharmonic Orchestra