Hi Renee, In the US, orchestra pitch levels vary from A=440 up to A=442. I can't recall who, if anybody, go higher than that (at least in this country). I am a double bassist, and I often sub with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, where the pitch level is A=440. We've never had a “temperamental” artist have a problem with that. String instruments react very much the same as pianos in regard to pitch changes. The “soundboard” (top)‚ bridges, and strings are fighting the changes. Afterwards, of course, returning the instrument to the original pitch......Having said that, even the orchestras that tune to A=440 seldom actually DO. We string players have a tendency to tune ever so slightly sharp. Perhaps the thinking goes like this. Since it's a cardinal sin to play flat (sharp is okay???), nobody wants to sound flatter than their neighbor, even if your pitch is dead on A=440. Any psychologists on the list care care to comment? Perhaps this is why certain artists request a higher pitch. When I wear my piano technician hat, I do mainly in-home service, and very seldom get asked about pitch level. I go with “standard” A=440. Ray Irving
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