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
All other orchestras have announced theirs by now because planning is always about18 months ahead of performances.
—
Jem Aswad, Variety, 2 June 2026
The way Dion conducts imaginary orchestras with her fingers while speaking.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Her works have been performed by major orchestras worldwide, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
—Rana Wehbe Watson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
The fest also takes place at a time of year when other classical performances have died down — after the big orchestras and opera companies, like the Colorado Symphony, have ended their seasons, and before the major summer events start up around July 4.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 26 May 2026
Women have led American orchestras before, but not in the cities considered the top seven.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 26 May 2026
In an era when many A-list veterans keep adding layers — orchestras, backing tracks, costume changes, guest appearances, enough visual stimulation to warrant warnings to fans with photosensitive epilepsy — Sting has gone the opposite direction.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026
The ability for locals and tourists alike to walk out their doors and choose from world-class operas, orchestras, ballets, plays and concerts is a gift — one our organizations do not take for granted.
—Lori Dimun, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Blind auditions are a standard for orchestras, where the musicians perform behind a screen or closed doors so that race, gender and size are not a factor.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Jem Aswad, Variety, 2 June 2026
The way Dion conducts imaginary orchestras with her fingers while speaking.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Her works have been performed by major orchestras worldwide, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
—Rana Wehbe Watson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
The fest also takes place at a time of year when other classical performances have died down — after the big orchestras and opera companies, like the Colorado Symphony, have ended their seasons, and before the major summer events start up around July 4.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 26 May 2026
Women have led American orchestras before, but not in the cities considered the top seven.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 26 May 2026
In an era when many A-list veterans keep adding layers — orchestras, backing tracks, costume changes, guest appearances, enough visual stimulation to warrant warnings to fans with photosensitive epilepsy — Sting has gone the opposite direction.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026
The ability for locals and tourists alike to walk out their doors and choose from world-class operas, orchestras, ballets, plays and concerts is a gift — one our organizations do not take for granted.
—Lori Dimun, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Blind auditions are a standard for orchestras, where the musicians perform behind a screen or closed doors so that race, gender and size are not a factor.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orchestras
symphonies
Noun
-
This year’s guest conductor was Stuart Chafetz, principal pops conductor of the Columbus Symphony, and the Chautauqua and Marin symphonies.—
Emily Curiel
May 24,
Kansas City Star,
24 May 2026
-
Nearby were manuscripts of nine symphonies that Mozart wrote within two years, in his late teens.—
Michael Schulman,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Orchestras.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orchestras. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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