Benaroya Hall | Seattle Symphony Tickets - Best Seats for Ravel's Boléro

Expert Guide to Benaroya Hall's S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium Seating

Experience Ludovic Morlot conducting the Seattle Symphony's performance of Ravel's Boléro with our curated seating recommendations. Below you'll find the best value tickets, sweet spots, premium options, and detailed section comparisons for optimal acoustics and views.

Best Value Tickets (Under $100)

• Orchestra Right QQ ($78): Rear orchestra but excellent side view of string sections. Best for budget-conscious listeners who want full orchestra visibility.
• Orchestra Right HH ($96): Mid-orchestra positioning with clearer sightlines to percussion section - ideal for Boléro's famous crescendo.

Sweet Spot Seats (Best Price/Availability Balance)

• Orchestra Center NN ($111-112): Central sound with perfect balance between woodwinds and strings. Rows NN offer slightly elevated view over heads.
• Orchestra Right DD ($106): Closer to stage with excellent sightlines to conductor's podium - watch Morlot's nuanced direction.

Higher Tier Options (Premium Acoustics)

• Founders Tier Center C/D ($155-162): First balcony provides unparalleled acoustic clarity, especially for Boléro's layered instrumentation.
• Orchestra Center JJ/KK ($136): Premium orchestra seating with direct sightlines to all instrumental sections as they join Boléro's progression.

View Comparison by Section

• Orchestra Center: Direct frontal view of entire ensemble with balanced sound. Rows JJ-KK place you at ideal eye-level with stage.
• Orchestra Sides: Closer to specific instrument groups (Right=strings, Left=woodwinds/brass). Excellent for watching section interplay.
• Founders Tier: Elevated perspective reveals spatial arrangement of musicians. Center sections maintain perfect stereo imaging.
• Third Tier: Dramatic overhead view with immersive sound, though distant for watching individual performers.

Premium & Last-Minute Options

• Orchestra Left BB ($136): Rare front-orchestra seats with close-up view of woodwind solos in Boléro.
• Third Tier F ($302): Luxury box seats with private space and panoramic hall views.
• Orchestra X ($758): VIP on-stage seating - feel the vibration of every note (limited availability).

Expert Recommendations

• For first-time visitors: Orchestra Center NN offers classic symphony experience
• For audiophiles: Founders Tier Center provides benchmark acoustics
• For visual learners: Orchestra Left LL shows woodwind/brass technique clearly
• For groups: Multiple tickets available in Orchestra Right QQ and Center NN

Special Note for Ravel's Boléro

Left-side seats (Orchestra Left LL/BB) provide superior view of the snare drum's persistent rhythm and the gradual addition of instruments. Center sections allow you to watch Morlot coordinate the symphony's carefully timed entrances during the 15-minute crescendo.