Davies Symphony Hall Seating Guide for San Francisco Symphony

Expert Recommendations for Sibelius 7 with Esa-Pekka Salonen

Davies Symphony Hall offers exceptional acoustics and sightlines throughout, but some sections provide better value than others. Here's our expert breakdown of current ticket options for this classical performance.

Best Value Tickets (Under $100)

• 2ND TIER LEVEL GG, Row H ($68): Excellent budget option with good side views of the stage. Rows G-J in 2nd Tier offer similar value.
• 2nd Tier, Row A ($82): Front row of the second tier provides clear sightlines over the orchestra at mid-range price.
• 2ND TIER LEVEL EE, Row J ($82): Center-facing side section with good sound projection from the upper levels.

Sweet Spot Tickets (Best Balance of Price & View)

• Premier 2nd Tier, Row J ($87): Enhanced comfort seating with premium sightlines. Rows A-J in Premier sections offer consistent quality.
• SECOND TIER JJ, Row D ($94): Center-right position with excellent direct view of the entire stage.
• Upper Orchestra, Row AA ($104): Closest elevated seating to stage level, perfect for seeing conductor expressions.

Higher Tier Options (Premium Views at Higher Cost)

• 1ST TIER LEVEL K, Row D ($122-123): Closest side boxes to the stage with intimate feel.
• ORCHESTRA, Rows BB-CC ($128-150): Mid-orchestra seating with ideal sound balance. Rows Y-BB offer similar quality.
• FIRST TIER, Rows E-F ($138-155): Unobstructed center views from the first elevated level.

Premium & Last-Minute Options

• Premier 1st Tier, Row A ($152): Front-row center balcony seats with luxurious legroom.
• Orchestra, Row R ($158-159): Premium orchestra seating about 20 rows back for full ensemble view.
• FIRST TIER CENTER, Row F ($647): Ultra-premium boxes directly facing the stage (VIP experience).

View Comparison Guide

• Orchestra vs. Tier Seating: Orchestra (floors) offer proximity, while tiers (balconies) provide better overall perspective of the ensemble.
• Front vs. Rear Rows: In tiers, front rows (A-D) have slightly obstructed views of nearest musicians but better sightlines to back of stage.
• Side Sections: EE, GG, JJ sections are angled toward stage but often 20-30% cheaper than center equivalents.

Our Top 3 Recommendations

1. For Budget-Conscious Buyers: 2ND TIER LEVEL GG, Row H ($68) - best value under $70
2. For Optimal Experience: SECOND TIER JJ, Row D ($94) - perfect center-right balance
3. For Premium Seekers: FIRST TIER, Row E ($138) - unmatched center balcony views

Acoustics Note

Davies Hall is renowned for its acoustics. Upper levels (Tiers 1-2) often provide clearer sound separation, while orchestra seats offer more immersive volume. For Sibelius' layered compositions, we recommend tier seating for optimal audio clarity.

Group Booking Advice

• Multiple tickets available in 2ND TIER LEVEL EE (6 seats) and Upper Orchestra (6 seats) for group outings
• Premier 2nd Tier has 4-6 seat blocks available in rows B-J ($87-96)
• Orchestra Right has 6-seat blocks in Row CC ($112-113) for mid-range group options