What’s the difference between a chamber orchestra and a symphonic orchestra?
It’s a question Paul Chou, Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra’s music director, gets asked often.
“A chamber orchestra can be described as the sports car equivalent of a large symphonic orchestra,” he says. “It requires a nimble and highly skilled driver who also has also the flexibility to show off a bit to the audience.”
With smaller individual sections, chamber orchestras require principal and section players to be at their best.
“There’s no place to hide in a chamber orchestra, which can range in size from 12 to 40 musicians, depending on the repertoire,” Chou says. “Everyone has to come prepared to shine and bring their best skills and energy. And that always happens with Sinfonia. Everyone comes to rehearsals and performances armed with a sense of joy, camaraderie, and willingness to present the best performance possible.”
For the audience, chamber orchestra instrumentation allows a more intimate experience. As the Sinfonia has demonstrated over the years, size doesn’t always mean a leaner sound.
“Over the years, we have programmed symphonies and concerti from the core orchestral repertoire for strings, winds, brass and percussion, and we always deliver a rich, full-bodied sound when it’s demanded,” Chou notes. “The advantage is that audience can more fully enjoy and discern the textures and nuances coming from the orchestra and hopefully come away feeling as if they’ve heard some of these great works for the first time.”
Chou says Sinfonia audiences enjoy experiencing a very personal dialogue that’s occurring between the orchestra and conductor.
“Our audiences can see and feel the conversation taking place during concerts,” he says. “That transparency sets us apart.”
