Question about "Orchestra" names?

[CutiePie2000]

This forum includes music, so I thought I'd ask it in here. Hopefully there are some knowledgeable music people who can answer this?

Some cities have a "Symphony Orchestra" and some cities have a "Phiharmonic Orchestra", and some have both! What do these terms actually mean? Is there a difference? Just wondering.

i.e. Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
New York Philharmonic Orchestra
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra

[macallan25]

There is not really any significant difference between the two, "Symphony" and "Philharmonic." Usually cities such as London and New York will simply use different names to distinguish between their various orchestras.

[epchick]

I'm mainly a "bandie" and sometimes orchestral questions are beyond my relm...but not this one!! lol.

"Symphony" and "philharmonic" mean the same thing really. Sometimes Symphonies are the main outlet because they are better funded and have better music, but not all the time. And sometimes symphony orchestras can have a lot more musicians.

A lot of big cities just have two different ensembles---one being the Symphony and one being a philharmonic orchestra.

I know here in my city...we have the Symphony Orchestra. The "philharmonic" orchestra is usually designated for students from 6-12th grade.

But all in all, they are pretty much the same. They all play the same types of music and have the same instruments...so yeah.

/edited spelling and grammatical errors

[CutiePie2000]

Thanks!

[Kevin]

Having played under groups with both types of name, I will confirm all of the above information is correct.

Here in OKC, we have the Oklahoma City Philharmonic as the city's principal orchestra. I think just because it sounds better than the OKC Symphony Orchestra (too many words).

[AlphaFrog]

That's what I've been told too...

Although I've never played in a Symphony or Philharmonic. I played in a Pops Orchestra for awhile, though.