The Berlin Philharmonic, one of the world's great orchestras, operates under an enlightened artistic philosophy. Its large roster and the redundancy of players in every section save one (tuba) allows for rotation among the players between pieces and performances. The free time in their schedules allows players to form ensembles among themselves to perform chamber music.
In Japan, the German model is everywhere evident. Two Japanese chamber orchestras appeared in concert in Tokyo recently. They were contrasted in aspects: one old, the other new; one numerous, the other lean; one conducted, the other semiconducted. They were similar in the most important way -- their common wish to make their own music.
Japan Chamber Orchestra