About the Orchestra
WHAT IS A SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA?
There are several kinds of orchestras, which are distinguished by their repertoire as well as by the nature and number of the instruments that compose them: the wind band, the brass band, the jazz band... The symphony orchestra, designed to perform "classical" music, is the one with the greatest number and variety of instruments, divided into four families: strings which make a sound when the strings are rubbed with a bow made of wood holding horse hair (violins, violas, cellos, double basses) or plucked (harp), woodwinds (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon), brass (horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba) and percussion (timpani, cymbals, triangle, etc.). It is often contrasted with the chamber orchestra, characterized by its smaller size (up to 30 musicians).
The symphony orchestra takes its name from a musical genre invented for it: the symphony, from the Greek "syn" (with) and "phôné" (sound). Conducted by a conductor who ensures its cohesion, the orchestra also interprets overtures, concertos, symphonic poems and ballet suites…
HOW BIG IS THE ORCHESTRE DE PARIS?
The Orchestre de Paris currently brings together 119 permanent musicians plus 140 singers in the Orchestra's chorus.