What is the difference between philharmonic and symphonic

So there you go— that's that one ticked off. Symphony and Philharmonic or Philharmonia orchestras are a bit trickier. There is a difference in the names and what they mean, or rather their origins. First of all, a "symphony orchestra" is an umbrella, generic term. It means that the orchestra is of the right size — 80 plus players— and the right standard to perform symphonies.

But the title "symphony orchestra" is often given to the most "establishment," original orchestra in a city or state. It might be the orchestra that gets or got! In parallel to symphony orchestras, other musical groups popped up. They were part of large societies that were run and funded by music lovers. Philharmonic societies were a big deal in the s. Some of these societies were therefore very well funded and powerful. And the orchestras that formed part of these societies?

Well they were known as philharmonic orchestras. If so, let us know by emailing us at bigquestions mentalfloss. BY Lucas Reilly. Okay, maybe not. Big Questions music Music History musical instruments News. Subscribe to our Newsletter! Toronto Montreal. How about a chamber orchestra? Your questions answered. Author Recent Posts. Follow me. Michael Vincent. He publishes regularly and writes occasionally. A specialist in digital media for over 15 years, he has worked as a senior editor and is a former freelance classical music critic for the Toronto Star.

Michael holds a Doctorate in Music from the University of Toronto. Latest posts by Michael Vincent see all.