Orchestras (previously "Favorite orchestras")

William, I find it fun sometimes just to compare which is pretty easy to do if your library has it.

I think they changed names recently. Erik knows more I think.

They are contracted non-union players from around Seattle (most come from the Seattle Symphony)

-Erik-

I'm quite pleased by the recent/modern sound of the New York Philharmonic. What an exceptional classical orchestra, and the first to be founded in America! I'm speaking primarily of the new recording of Mahler 9, with Lorin Maazel conducting. While I wasn't much impressed with the '60s recordings I have of the orchestra, this new recording (and others, from what I've heard) is excellent, with a crystal clear sound. The principal trumpet Phil Smith (highly praised as one of the world's best, if not the best) has a gorgeous sound to behold, as does the entire brass section, for that matter. And the rest of the orchestra is similarly in top form. I look forward to getting their other recent recordings.

Depends, really. Union recordings are mostly restricted (I think) to LA recordings. When you can record outside the town, or even country (London is particularly popular here), they choose local orchestras due to smaller costs (imagine that the LSO is cheaper than Hollywood players) and with some scores (those performed by LSO, LPO), what also matters for the score is the prestige of the performers.

Isn't she a harpist? She performed for Zimmer as well, I think.

I thought that was one of the main reasons the Seattle Symphony was originally used for film scores. Non-union therefore less costly.

Yep. I think one article about recording scores mentioned that recording in Seattle as opposed to L.A. or London is that the players only charge $65 per hour, as opposed to the former's $90+ per hour (plus residual payments if it's in L.A.).

Seriously?! Awesome.

London Symphony Orchestra is my favorite one.

LOL Yes there are trumpets in the The Dark Knight score. You can definitely hear them in Harvey Two-Face.

I guess it is a matter of money and the fact that they're on the east coast.
Tom

Here's some insight (3 years late) from someone from the NW. SSO is not union, at least not at all like Hollywood. I believe they have a guild that includes other types of orchestras such as ballet and opera, but are not part of the AFM.

I know some of the musicians in the Northwest Sinfonia (including my primary teacher). Though many come from SSO, many also come from nearby, such as the PNB orchestra, Bellevue Philharmonic, and even some from down in Oregon. They charge considerably less than getting a score recorded in Hollywood, which I believe is why so many smaller movies and video games go through them. Lots of video game scores (Gears of War, Halo 1, 2, 3, ODST, Reach)...probably also related to the fact that Seattle is a main hub for Microsoft and many of the gaming companies.

Hope that helps. NW Sinfonia does go in my list of favorite orchestras, along with LSO, SSO (since I'm from Seattle, can't help but be kind of biased), Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and Berlin Philharmonic. Though...I'm guessing you guys only wanted those that are commonly used in film scores? Probably LSO. Amazing horn section; awesome balance and clarity. :D

ETA: Just did a hair more research...there is a union: Seattle Symphony and Opera Players' Organization (SSOPO), which is a branch of the International Guild of Symphony, Opera, & Ballet Musicians (IGSOBM), but as far as I know, those who are in the union are not restricted to who they may play with. At least out of personal experience, my teacher, who is the personnel manager for the PNB, as well as principal horn, also works with the Northwest Sinfonia. Logically, my conclusion is that they're allowed to play non-union gigs without too much heat (if any).