[luxcem]

This is mostly due to historical reasons and the way Western music has been written.

The hierarchy in a symphonic orchestra is highly structured. Each section (a group of musicians playing the same instrument and part) has a leader, who usually plays the solo part (hence the title "solo violin" or "first chair"). The leader of the first violin section is the "concertmaster," typically seated next to the conductor and responsible for leading the entire string section. In orchestras without a conductor, the concertmaster often assumes that role.

Each string player follows their section leader, who, in turn, follows the concertmaster, who follows the conductor. This is why they are seated at the front.