Orchestral music is music that is played by an orchestra. The word ‘orchestra’ comes from the ancient Greek word ὀρχήστρα, which referred to the area in front of an ancient Greek theatre where the chorus would stand.
Orchestras are normally led by a conductor, who directs the musicians using his hands and a conductor’s baton. A typical symphony orchestra includes four main sections: woodwind, brass, percussion and strings, as well as sometimes a concert harp or piano.