Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall | Oregon Symphony "Scheherazade" Seating Guide & Best Tickets

Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Seats at Portland's Historic Venue

The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall offers exceptional acoustics and sightlines throughout, but some sections provide better value than others for classical performances like the Oregon Symphony's "Scheherazade" under David Danzmayr. Below is my professional breakdown of the current ticket inventory with recommendations based on price, view quality, and availability.

Best Value Tickets ($45-$75)

• Upper Balcony (Sections A-F, Rows V-Z): At $45, these are the most affordable tickets. While high up, the hall's steep pitch ensures good views. Best picks: Upper Balcony D Row Z (center section) or Upper Balcony A Row V (closer to front).
• Orchestra D (Rows Y-AA): Just $2 more at $47, these offer much closer proximity to the stage with only slightly angled views. Excellent for budget-conscious listeners who want to see bow movements.
• Balcony (Sections A-F, AA rows): The $71-75 range provides the first elevated tier with perfect head-on views of the entire orchestra. Balcony F AA offers particularly good sightlines to the percussion section.

Sweet Spot Tickets ($87-$108)

• Lower Balcony (Sections A-F, Rows O-T): The $87 tickets in Rows O-S place you at ideal elevation to see all instrument sections clearly. Lower Balcony B Row S gives a perfect centered view of the violin soloist's position.
• Orchestra C (Rows AA-CC): At $87-88, these are premium orchestra seats at mid-price. Row CC in Orchestra C is especially valuable - far enough back to hear full sound blend while maintaining close visual connection.
• Orchestra B (Row BB/X): The $108 seats here offer left-center positioning ideal for watching the first violin section and conductor's expressions.

Higher Tier Options ($135-$179)

• Orchestra Front (Rows B-C): The $135-139 seats put you within 15 rows of the musicians - perfect for seeing finger work but slightly compromised for overall sound balance.
• Mezzanine (Rows K-M): The $150-160 range gets you into the coveted mezzanine sections that many regulars consider the acoustic sweet spot. Upper Mezzanine B Row K offers particularly good sightlines to the harp.
• Lower Balcony Front (Rows T): At $179, these front balcony seats provide the perfect compromise between elevation and proximity.

Premium & Last-Minute Options ($191-$445)

• Dress Circle (Row D): The $241 seats in Dress Circle E are among the venue's most prestigious, offering private box intimacy with perfect sightlines.
• Orchestra Prime (Rows AA/JJ): The $379-444 seats in Orchestra B/C/D Rows AA/JJ are center-orchestra perfection - ideal for donors who want the absolute best sound and view.
• Front Orchestra (Row AA): At $424-445, these are essentially on-stage adjacent seats where you can hear musicians breathing - an unforgettable experience for true classical enthusiasts.

View Comparison & Recommendations

• For Sound Quality: Lower Balcony C Row Q ($108) provides ideal reverberation. The hall's acoustics shine brightest at this elevation.
• For Visuals: Mezzanine E Row L ($191) gives a comprehensive view of all instrument sections with perfect sightlines to the conductor.
• For Budget: Upper Balcony D Row Z ($45) offers remarkable value - you'll miss some facial expressions but hear every note clearly.
• For Special Occasions: Dress Circle E Row D ($241) provides luxurious private box seating with the best sight angles in the house.

Section Height Guide

• Orchestra: Flat floor seating. Rows AA-EE are ideal for sound; rows B-JJ put you closer to stage action.
• Lower Balcony: First elevated tier (about 15° incline). Perfect blend of proximity and overview.
• Balcony: Second tier (25° incline). Excellent head-on perspectives at mid-price.
• Upper Balcony: Highest section (35° steep pitch). Further away but unobstructed.
• Mezzanine/Dress Circle: Middle-level boxes. Premium sightlines with enhanced acoustics.

For "Scheherazade," I particularly recommend seats with clear views of the first violin (concertmaster) and harp sections, as these play prominent roles in Rimsky-Korsakov's masterpiece. The Lower Balcony and Mezzanine sections provide the ideal vantage point to appreciate both the visual and auditory spectacle.