Crossword Genius

Leave an orchestra occupying the stage (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abandon

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'leave' is the definition.
(to abandon is to leave or desert)

'an orchestra occupying the stage' is the wordplay.
'an' becomes 'a'.
'orchestra' becomes 'band' (large musical group).
'occupying the stage' becomes 'on' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'a'+'band'+'on'='ABANDON'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for abandon that I've seen before include "dump" , "Evacuate; desert" , "ditch" , "Maroon" , "Give up (something) completely" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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