Benaroya Hall | Seattle Symphony with Hilary Hahn - Best Seats & Ticket Deals

Expert Guide to the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium Seating

Experience Beethoven's masterpieces performed by the Seattle Symphony under Xian Zhang with violin virtuoso Hilary Hahn. This guide helps you navigate Benaroya Hall's acclaimed acoustics with detailed seating recommendations at every price point.

Best Value Tickets (Under $150)

• Orchestra Right PP ($125-126): Excellent side-view seats just 22 rows back. Perfect balance of price and proximity - you'll see Hahn's bow work clearly.
• Third Tier E ($143-144): Elevated but surprisingly clear sightlines. Ideal for auditory-focused listeners who want to save.
• Orchestra Right JJ/LL ($144): Closer side sections with good string section visibility. LL rows are particularly good for watching the conductor.

Sweet Spot Seats (Best Availability & Value)

• Orchestra Center PP ($151-152): Dead-center views at a reasonable premium. The "goldilocks zone" for symphony regulars.
• Third Tier C ($147): Front of the upper level with minimal obstruction. Bring binoculars for soloist close-ups.

Higher Tier Options (Premium Experience)

• Third Tier Center A/B ($178): The most coveted upper seats - directly facing the stage with perfect acoustic alignment.
• Orchestra Left NN/LL ($178): Violin-side views where you can watch Hahn's fingering technique up close.
• Orchestra Center MM ($178): Premium center section just 14 rows back - where critics typically sit.

Premium & Last-Minute Options

• ORCH LEFT PP ($324): Front-left orchestra seats with pristine sightlines to the soloist's position.
• ORCHESTRA X ($758): Ultra-premium front center seats - only consider for special occasions or VIP experiences.

Seating Zone Comparison

• Orchestra Center: Best for seeing the full ensemble interaction and conductor's expressions.
• Orchestra Sides: Closer to specific instrument sections (Right=cellos/basses, Left=violins).
• Third Tier Center: Surprisingly excellent acoustics - sound "blooms" upward in this hall.
• Third Tier Sides: More budget-friendly but may have partial obstructions of percussion sections.

Expert Recommendations

• For First-Timers: Orchestra Right PP offers the best introduction to hall acoustics at fair prices.
• For Audio Perfectionists: Third Tier Center A/B provides the purest sound experience.
• For Hahn Fans: Orchestra Left NN/LL lets you study her legendary technique.
• Groups of 6+: Multiple PP row options allow seating together at reasonable rates.

View Considerations

Benaroya Hall's steep tier design means even upper sections feel surprisingly close. The Third Tier's slight overhang creates an intimate "jewel box" effect. For Beethoven programs, center-left seats (violin side) often provide the most dramatic views of string sections.

Price Alert Tip

Third Tier Center seats sometimes drop below $150 closer to event date if the hall hasn't sold its allocation - set alerts for sections A-C.