When conducting from the harpsichord, I always placed the lidless harpsichord with the point away 
from the audience.   My back was to the audience, the violins to my left, and the celli and bass to 
my right.  It gave me eye contact with both orchestra and choir.  It worked well for thirty-four 
years.

Some 17th and 18th century drawings place the first violins to the left and the second violins to 
the right with the violi, celli, and bass down the bentside toward the point.  I liked this a lot 
but the second violins hated it.

The Te Deum Orchestra & Singers' concerts took place in a very live acoustical environment.  Hope 
this helps. -  rbs