Philharmonic vs. Symphony

Israel Philharmonic Orchestra

  There's the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra. The list goes on and on, and here's one question that I've had asked a ton, and until now, never knew the answer to.

What's the difference between a "Philharmonic" and a "Symphony" Orchestra?

  In this day and age, there really is no difference between the two anymore. This both have the same setup of members and perform the same music. Basically, the difference of names is just you're not saying "Chicago Symphony Orchestra" and "Other Chicago Symphony Orchestra." Both words even derive themselves from Greek roots...

• Symphony - Sounding Together
• Philharmonic - Music Lovers

 

  The first use of the of "philharmonic" was at Ljubljana, Slovenia with their Academia Philharmonicorum, which was founded in 1701. In 1895 the London Philharmonic Orchestra was formed, being the first "philharmonic orchestra." The London Symphony Orchestra was then formed in 1932, so pretty much the names depended on whoever got to the name they wanted first. (I wouldn't mind hearing from members of these orchestra though... I bet they'd have some colorful ways to tell that the two meanings apart.)

  It's good to note that some orchestras are staying out of this ruckus altogether. Ensembles like the Philadelphia Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra have just decided to leave it out, and simply be an orchestra.