A coordinated group of music-making angels forming a celestial ensemble, especially common around the Virgin, Christ, and scenes of heavenly glory.
An angelic orchestra is a group of musical angels arranged as a celestial ensemble. Medieval and Renaissance artists frequently placed such groups around Marian subjects, heavenly enthronements, Assumptions, and Coronations.
Etymology
Orchestra from Greek orchestra; angelic from Greek angelos.
Sculptor Notes
This is an ensemble-composition problem. Vary instruments, head directions, wing profiles, and body angles while preserving an overarching rhythm. Repeating the same seated angel with different instruments produces inventory rather than music.
References
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/464358