The concertmaster, first chair (U.S.) or leader (U.K.) is the principal first violin player in an orchestra. After the conductor, the concertmaster is the second-most significant leader in an orchestra, symphonic band or other musical ensemble.

An orchestra is a large instrumental ensemble typical of classical music, which combines instruments from different families. There are typically four main sections of instruments:String instruments, such as the violin, viola, cello, and double bassWoodwinds, such as the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and occasional saxophoneBrass instruments, such as the horn, trumpet, trombone, cornet, euphonium, and tubaPercussion instruments, such as the timpani, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, triangle, tambourine, tam-tam and mallet percussion instruments