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
Lewis is the recipient of a 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant and has appeared with orchestras across the United States and Europe.
—
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
He's shared the stage with some of the world's most popular orchestras and artists, including Metallica and Pharrell Williams.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Feb. 2026
Music 101 featuring Michael Gerdes, director of orchestras at San Diego State University and guest lecturers.
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 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
Many of his children and grandchildren created multiple orchestras after his death, all still playing his golden repertoire.
—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
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
He's shared the stage with some of the world's most popular orchestras and artists, including Metallica and Pharrell Williams.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Feb. 2026
Music 101 featuring Michael Gerdes, director of orchestras at San Diego State University and guest lecturers.
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 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
Many of his children and grandchildren created multiple orchestras after his death, all still playing his golden repertoire.
—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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orchestras
symphonies
Noun
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Aside from symphonies by Brahms, Beethoven, Prokofiev and Wagner in the Classical Series, the Film + Live Orchestra Series will present tributes to music legends like Jimmy Buffett and Whitney Houston.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee
February 5,
Kansas City Star,
5 Feb. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Orchestras.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orchestras. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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