Where does the soloist stand (sit) in a concerto?

If you're going to an orchestra concert that includes a concerto, buy a seat a little to the left of center. The soloist almost always stands or sits just to the left of the conductor. If it's a piano soloist, sit even farther to the left (the extreme left is okay as well).

1. Why the soloist stand or sit in front of the orchestra?
2. Does a soloist follow a conductor?
3. What are the parts of a concerto called?
4. Where does the first violinist sit?

Why the soloist stand or sit in front of the orchestra?

A concerto is usually performed with the soloist standing or sitting in front of the orchestra. This helps the soloist to be heard over the large number of musicians that are accompanying him or her.

Does a soloist follow a conductor?

If it is a professional group the conductor will follow the soloist and the soloist does not need to watch the conductor. In a professional group the conductor can rely on the group following the beat. They should watch, or at least be in contact with, each other.

What are the parts of a concerto called?

The etymology is uncertain, but the word seems to have originated from the conjunction of the two Latin words conserere (meaning to tie, to join, to weave) and certamen (competition, fight): the idea is that the two parts in a concerto, the soloist and the orchestra or concert band, alternate episodes of opposition, ...

Where does the first violinist sit?

The concertmaster sits to the conductor's left, closest to the audience, in what is called the "first chair," "first [music] stand" or outside of the US "first desk." The concertmaster makes decisions regarding bowing and other technical details of violin playing for the violins, and sometimes all of the string players ...