Is a philharmonic the same thing? Essentially, a philharmonic and a symphony are the same, the only true difference is the origin of the name. The words originate from the Greek words. Philharmonic means “love of harmony,” while the word symphony means “an agreement of sound.”

The Royal Danish Orchestra is the oldest orchestra in the world and one of the most distinguished. Its first musicians were recruited in 1448 and there have been over 1000 members of the ensemble since.

Philharmonic Orchestra is an auditioned orchestra comprised of 9th-12th grade students. Philharmonic Orchestra is one of two orchestras in the program that performs in part of the school year as a full orchestra with woodwind, brass, and percussion students.

A symphony or philharmonic orchestra will usually have over eighty musicians on its roster, in some cases over a hundred, but the actual number of musicians employed in a particular performance may vary according to the work being played and the size of the venue.