Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 31623, member: 636"] An orchestra brings together many musicians playing different instruments at the same time. These large groups mainly perform classical music with string sections mixing with woodwinds to create beautiful sounds. A person called a conductor leads everyone. Felix Mendelssohn started modern conducting as we know it today. He became famous for writing music where four string instruments play together. Conductors use a small stick to help players see their hand signals better. You'll notice conductors always shake hands with the first violin player before starting because this musician represents all the others. Most big orchestras have about eighty players ready to perform. The actual number changes based on what music they play and how big the concert hall is. The word "philharmonic" first appeared in London back in 1813. This happened when people started the Philharmonic Society. The name simply means someone who loves music. Two musicians named Sir Thomas Beecham and Malcolm Sargeant, created the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1932. This group became one of the five main orchestras based in London. They wanted to compete with existing groups like the London Symphony. Their home stage sits inside the Royal Festival Hall. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra also calls London home. Sir Thomas Beecham formed this second group in 1946. The orchestra quickly made money by recording music for companies. They performed at important events such as the Glyndebourne Festival Opera. The Vienna Philharmonic earns more money than any other orchestra. They charge $200,000 or more for just one night of music. People pack concert halls completely when this group travels around the world. They sell more recordings than almost any orchestra except perhaps the Metropolitan Opera group. The Berlin Philharmonic ranks among the finest orchestras anywhere. Music experts praise their amazing sound and skilled players. This German group has won many awards, including a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Musicians first formed the orchestra in 1882. By 1887, everyone knew them as the Berlin Philharmonic. Their conductor, Hans von Bülow, helped them become truly world-famous. Norway has the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. This group started when Mozart was only nine years old, making it possibly the oldest orchestra anywhere. They perform mainly in a place called Grieg Hall. A Norwegian composer named Harald Sæverud worked closely with these musicians during his life. The Boston Pops Orchestra plays different types of music from the others. This American group has performed since 1885 in Symphony Hall. Their home base is in Boston, Massachusetts. Unlike many orchestras, they play both light classical pieces and popular songs people know. The Boston Pops began as part of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Many members play in both groups, but the best players usually stay with the main symphony. Orchestras exist all around the world beyond just London. They fill concert halls with classical masterpieces, current hits, and movie soundtracks. Watching all these musicians arranged by instrument groups creates an amazing sight. Hearing how their different sounds blend perfectly makes the experience even better. [/QUOTE]

Name