A few musical questions

I could search them up online, but I'd rather get an opinion.. and.. not make my post count go up.. :whistling:

no seriously though, I do have a few questions that I can't answer.

1. What is the difference between a Symphonic orchestra and a Philharmonic orchestra?

2. I am writing a flute trio, and it was suggested that I write a counter melody for the alto flute. I have a basic idea on what a counter melody is, but, how do you write one?

Thanks,

-Mathieu

1. No difference, it's semantic.

2. Countermelody = 2nd melody that acts as a harmonic complement. It's a good place for extensions of chords and reinterpretation of harmony.