The size of the orchestra, the room or hall in which the ensemble is performing, and the dynamics of the instruments used all influence the orchestra layout. Instrument classes are usually kept together by seating arrangements. The softer sounding instruments are usually placed closest to the audience because they are more difficult to hear. Because louder instruments, such as horns or percussion, are easier to hear, they are placed further away from the audience. The conductor arranges the instruments to give the listener the best possible effect of the musical work, regardless of the size of the orchestra.
Symphony orchestras are large orchestras that perform in grand theaters or music halls. The musicians are seated in a semi-circle in a symphony orchestra, with the conductor in the center front. The string instruments are closest to the conductor in the center of the circle, with the woodwinds directly behind them, as seen from the audience’s perspective. Brass sections are positioned behind the strings, slightly off center, and to the conductor’s left, while percussion is positioned to the far left in the back. The harp section is on the conductor’s far left, closest to the string instruments, and the bases are on the right side, directly opposite.
With about 25 musicians, a chamber orchestra is a smaller version of a symphony orchestra with a variety of orchestra layouts depending on the instruments used in the piece. With or without a conductor, these smaller orchestras can perform. The general concept is to present the instruments in such a way that noise is reduced and the sounds of the instruments are blended together. As a result, chamber orchestra layouts are similar to those of symphony orchestras in terms of instrumentation. The louder instruments are located in the back, while the softer instruments are located in front.
A string orchestra is a smaller section of a symphony orchestra, and the seating arrangement is similar to that of chamber orchestras. The strings can be arranged in a full circle, with the first violins and violas in front and the second strings behind. The bases and cellos in the next row are on either side and directly opposite one another. The semi circle, which is also used in symphony orchestras, is another popular string orchestra layout. The chairs are more angled in these orchestra layouts to face other string players rather than the conductor.