What is in a percussion orchestra?

Answer 1

If you're talking about a group simply comprised of percussion instruments, they are commonly referred to as percussion ensembles. These can contain any combination of instruments. Percussion ensembles are most commonly found at conservatories, though some professional groups, such as Nexus exist If you're talking about percussion instruments that are found in an orchestra, percussionists are generally called on to provide different textures in the ensemble. Some percussion instruments are more commonly used than others. Timpani, for example, has been seen in Western Classical Music since the 17th century and became a standard orchestral instrument long before many other percussion instruments. Snare drum, bass drum, and crash cymbals were adopted soon thereafter and quickly became associated with the orchestra as well.