as in symphonies
a usually large group of musicians playing together
the orchestra will be performing a selection of Beethoven pieces tomorrow night
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Recent Examples of orchestras
Michael Gerdes, director of orchestras at San Diego State University, will lead the lectures.
—
Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
The groundbreaking program helps women conductors reach the podium at opera companies and orchestras around the world.
—Terry Wagner, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
The Cailloux Theater has an ever-changing schedule of performances that include orchestras, symphonies, plays, and musicals, and the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center showcases works from regional and national artists and offers art classes for all ages.
—Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2025
Medardo was Manuel's teacher and one of the most respected musicians in the history of cumbia orchestras in Ecuador.
—NPR, 13 Oct. 2025
As of 2014, Black musicians made up 2% of American orchestras.
—Matti Gellman, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
Since its founding in 1987 by Michael Tilson Thomas, the fellowship has launched more than 1,300 alumni into leadership roles across orchestras worldwide.
—Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Built in 1900, Symphony Hall is a National Historic Landmark where audiences can enjoy performances from two orchestras—the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops—along with other concerts and events on its calendar.
—Kori Perten, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025
Common graced stages alongside orchestras from Chicago to Houston.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
The groundbreaking program helps women conductors reach the podium at opera companies and orchestras around the world.
—Terry Wagner, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
The Cailloux Theater has an ever-changing schedule of performances that include orchestras, symphonies, plays, and musicals, and the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center showcases works from regional and national artists and offers art classes for all ages.
—Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2025
Medardo was Manuel's teacher and one of the most respected musicians in the history of cumbia orchestras in Ecuador.
—NPR, 13 Oct. 2025
As of 2014, Black musicians made up 2% of American orchestras.
—Matti Gellman, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
Since its founding in 1987 by Michael Tilson Thomas, the fellowship has launched more than 1,300 alumni into leadership roles across orchestras worldwide.
—Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Built in 1900, Symphony Hall is a National Historic Landmark where audiences can enjoy performances from two orchestras—the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops—along with other concerts and events on its calendar.
—Kori Perten, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025
Common graced stages alongside orchestras from Chicago to Houston.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orchestras
symphonies
Noun
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But the symphonies’ start-and-stop contrasts and obsessive rhythmic gestures challenge the conductor to manage the ebb and flow of energy within overarching structures.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Jan. 2026
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Fifty years ago, that meant Stevie Wonder embracing the synthesizer, a machine critics at the time called soulless, to compose symphonies from a keyboard.—
William Jones,
Miami Herald,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Orchestras.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orchestras. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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