Definition of orchestra

The word "orchestra" originates from the Greek language. In ancient Greece, the orchestra referred to the circular or semicircular area in front of the stage in a theater, where the chorus sang and danced. The word "orchestra" comes from the Greek words "orkestrios" (ὄρχηστριος), meaning "dancing place," and "orchestra" (ὄρχηστρα), meaning "dance." In Greek tragedy and comedy, the chorus performed in the orchestra, singing and dancing to accompany the action on stage. The term "orchestra" eventually shifted to refer to the ensemble of instruments that performed in this area, and later, in the 17th century, it became associated with a large group of classical musicians playing a wide range of instruments. Today, the term "orchestra" typically refers to a symphony orchestra, a large group of musicians playing a variety of instruments.