orchestra
A large ensemble of instruments organised into sections: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
In Depth
A symphony orchestra typically includes 60-100 musicians arranged in four sections. The string section (violins, violas, cellos, double basses) forms the core, supplemented by woodwinds (flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons), brass (trumpets, horns, trombones, tubas), and percussion (timpani, snare drum, cymbals, and more).
The modern orchestra emerged in the early 18th century and expanded continuously through the 19th. Haydn's orchestras had about 30 players; Mahler's demanded over 100. The conductor coordinates the ensemble, shaping tempo, dynamics, balance, and interpretation. Major orchestras — the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony — are considered among the highest achievements of human collaborative endeavour.
The Vienna Philharmonic did not admit women until 1997 — making it one of the last major orchestras to do so. Today, women make up roughly a third of its membership.