There’s no meaningful musical difference between a philharmonic and a symphony orchestra. An orchestra like the New York Philharmonic holds itself to the same standards as one like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Whether an orchestra calls itself a philharmonic or a symphony usually tells you more about the organization’s history, location, or identity than about what happens onstage.
What’s the Difference Between “Philharmonic” and “Symphony”?
Many people expect some technical distinction between a symphony and a philharmonic orchestra, as if one carries more violins or a heavier brass section. Neither is the case.
Both are built from the same sections (strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion) and perform the same range of repertoire, from concertos and overtures to ballet scores, film scores, and contemporary works. Personnel and programming stay the same. Only the name changes.
The real difference comes down to each word’s roots.
What Is a “Philharmonic”?
The word philharmonic entered English through the French “philharmonique” and Italian “filarmonico”. Its literal meaning is “loving harmony.”
That sense of the word carried into its early use. Philharmonic originally described people, associations, or institutions devoted to music, not a particular kind of ensemble. Merriam-Webster now defines philharmonic as a symphony orchestra, a sign of how completely the two labels have converged.
Philharmonic Societies
In the 18th and 19th centuries, many cities didn’t have a continuously operating professional concert orchestra. Musicians might be employed primarily in theaters, opera houses, courts, churches, or military ensembles. For a public orchestral concert, players were sometimes assembled specifically for the occasion.
Philharmonic societies helped create a more regular concert culture. These organizations could bring together musicians and supporters, arrange subscriptions, hire performers, organize concert series, introduce visiting artists, and commission new music.
A philharmonic society described an organization of people devoted to presenting and sustaining serious music, not a particular instrumental configuration. In some cities, the society’s name eventually became the orchestra’s name.
What Is a “Symphony”?
The English word symphony traces back to the Greek word symphōnia, formed from roots meaning “together” and “sound” or “voice.”
That original idea of different sounds working together still describes a symphony orchestra today. An orchestra is dozens of highly trained musicians starting, playing, and stopping at precisely the same moment.
A Symphony Is Also a Piece of Music
Some of the confusion between symphonies and philharmonics exists because “symphony” names both an ensemble and a musical composition.
A symphony piece is an extended orchestral work, commonly organized into several movements, while a symphony orchestra is the group that performs it. Context clarifies which is meant. Paired with “orchestra,” the word names the ensemble. Used alone in a program listing, as with Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, it names the composition.
Major Philharmonics and Symphonies Around the World
The interchangeable nature of the terms symphony and philharmonic is clear when looking at prominent orchestras.
A number of well-known orchestras carry the philharmonic name:
- New York Philharmonic
- Vienna Philharmonic
- Berlin Philharmonic
- Los Angeles Philharmonic
- London Philharmonic Orchestra
- Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
Just as many well-known orchestras carry the symphony name:
- London Symphony Orchestra
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra
- Boston Symphony Orchestra
- San Francisco Symphony
- Sydney Symphony Orchestra
- Shanghai Symphony Orchestra
These names don’t indicate different levels, repertoires, or structures.
Why Would an Orchestra Choose One Name Over the Other?
Most orchestras don’t choose their names based on formal rules or classifications. Their names emerge from history instead. One organization may use “philharmonic” because it began as a philharmonic society or a musician-led association. Another may use “symphony” because the word clearly communicated its repertoire and purpose when it was founded.
Names can also help distinguish multiple ensembles in the same city. London alone is home to the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, and several other professional groups. The labels simply reflect each orchestra’s history and identity.
How Is a Chamber Orchestra Different?
A chamber orchestra is generally smaller than a full symphony or philharmonic orchestra, typically with fewer string players and single woodwind parts. The brass and percussion sections are also smaller to match. The precise makeup of a chamber orchestra still depends on the score.
The word chamber refers historically to music intended for more intimate spaces rather than enormous public halls. A chamber orchestra is well suited to Baroque and Classical repertoire, although modern chamber ensembles perform music from every period.
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