The Ultimate Guide to Symphony Orchestras in the US and UK

The terms can sound confusing, but the differences are usually simpler than they appear.

Orchestra: A large group of instrumental musicians, generally divided into strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, performing under the direction of a conductor.

Symphony orchestra: A full-sized orchestra capable of performing large-scale symphonic repertoire. In everyday conversation, people often shorten this to “the symphony.”

Philharmonic orchestra: Another name commonly used for a symphony orchestra. “Symphony” and “philharmonic” usually describe the same type of ensemble; the different words often help distinguish two orchestras located in the same city.

Chamber orchestra: A smaller ensemble, often performing music written for fewer musicians and more intimate venues.

Symphony: A musical composition, usually written for orchestra and divided into several movements. So, technically, the orchestra plays the symphony — although audiences also casually say they are “going to the symphony.”

Strings: Violins, violas, cellos, double basses, and often harp. The strings usually form the largest section and sit at the front of the stage.

Woodwinds: Flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and related instruments such as piccolo, English horn, bass clarinet, and contrabassoon. Despite the name, several modern woodwinds are made of metal.

Brass: French horns, trumpets, trombones, and tuba. Brass players can produce everything from warm, noble melodies to the musical equivalent of the heavens opening.

Percussion: Timpani, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, triangle, xylophone, glockenspiel, and many other instruments. Some pieces use only one percussionist; others appear to have raided an extremely musical hardware store.

Depending on the program, an orchestra may also feature piano, organ, saxophone, celesta, chorus, vocal soloists, or guest instrumentalists.

Concert length: Most classical concerts run around two hours, including an intermission. Family, lunchtime, and contemporary programs may be shorter.

Multiple pieces: A concert usually includes two or three works rather than a single symphony. The program may open with a short overture, continue with a concerto featuring a guest soloist, and end with a full symphony.

Movements: Many symphonies and concertos are divided into movements. Audiences traditionally wait until the entire work ends before applauding, although enthusiastic applause between movements is hardly a crime against humanity.

Dress code: Most orchestras welcome everything from smart-casual clothing to dressier evening attire. Opening nights and gala concerts may inspire more sparkle, but a tuxedo is not required to appreciate a tuba.

Best seats: The middle of the main floor often provides balanced sound. Upper levels may offer excellent acoustics and a fascinating view of the full orchestra. Seats behind the orchestra can be especially fun because you can watch the conductor’s face.

Arrive early: Give yourself time to park, find your seat, read the program notes, and settle in before the musicians tune.

Phones: Silence your phone completely. A ringtone during a quiet solo will make you the surprise guest artist, and not in a good way.

Children: Many orchestras offer family concerts, sensory-friendly performances, school programs, and shorter introductions to classical music. Always check the recommended age and program details before booking.

Beethoven — Symphony No. 5: Its four-note opening may be the most recognizable beginning in classical music. The piece travels from tension and darkness toward a triumphant conclusion.

Beethoven — Symphony No. 9: Famous for its final movement setting Friedrich Schiller’s “Ode to Joy,” it broke tradition by adding vocal soloists and chorus to a symphony.

Dvořák — Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”: Written during the composer’s time in the United States, this sweeping work blends memorable melodies with a sense of distance, discovery, and home.

Tchaikovsky — Symphony No. 6, “Pathétique”: Intensely emotional and unusually structured, it ends not with a blaze of triumph but with a quiet, devastating final movement.

Mahler — Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection”: A vast work for orchestra, chorus, and soloists that moves from darkness toward an overwhelming, transcendent finale.

Berlioz — Symphonie fantastique: A dramatic musical fever dream featuring obsession, a witches’ sabbath, and the famous Dies irae melody. Classical music has never been short on plot twists.

Florence Price — Symphony No. 1: Premiered by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1933, it made Price the first Black woman known to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra.

William Grant Still — Symphony No. 1, “Afro-American”: A landmark American symphony that incorporates blues language and was the first symphony by a Black composer performed by a major U.S. orchestra.

Nothing fully replaces sitting inside a concert hall, but streaming is a wonderful way to discover composers, compare interpretations, and decide which works you would like to hear live.

medici.tv — A major classical music streaming platform featuring live and on-demand concerts, orchestras, festivals, operas, ballets, documentaries, and master classes.

Berlin Philharmonic Digital Concert Hall — The Berlin Philharmonic’s official streaming service, with live concerts, archive performances, interviews, and documentaries.

Marquee TV — A performing arts service that includes classical concerts, opera, ballet, theatre, and dance.

hr-Sinfonieorchester on YouTube — The Frankfurt Radio Symphony shares a large selection of full concerts and individual works online.

London Symphony Orchestra on YouTube — Performances, interviews, educational content, and behind-the-scenes features from the LSO.

Great Performances on PBS — A long-running U.S. television series featuring orchestral concerts, opera, theatre, dance, and other performing arts programs. Availability varies by location and broadcast rights.