Davies Symphony Hall | Best Seats for San Francisco Symphony's "The Firebird"

Expert Guide to Finding the Perfect Seats at Davies Symphony Hall

As a classical music venue renowned for its acoustics, Davies Symphony Hall offers different seating experiences at various price points. Below is my professional recommendation for enjoying Esa-Pekka Salonen's performance of "The Firebird" based on section views, sound quality, and value.

Best Value Tickets (Under $100)

• 2nd Tier Level AA, Row E ($68): Excellent side view with clear sightlines to stage. The 2nd tier provides balanced acoustics at this bargain price.
• Premier 2nd Tier EE, Row A ($75): Front row of this elevated section offers direct sightlines over the orchestra with minimal sound obstruction.
• Upper Orchestra DD ($90): Rear orchestra seats still provide excellent sound with a straight-on perspective of the stage.

Sweet Spot (Good Availability & Price $100-$140)

• Second Tier EE, Row G ($105): Centered position in the 2nd tier with ideal elevation for both visual and auditory experience.
• 1st Tier Level K, Row D ($122-123): Closer side boxes with intimate feel and excellent string section visibility.
• Orchestra Right BB ($113-114): Side orchestra with good cello/bass visibility and warm acoustic response.

Higher Tier Options ($140-$160)

• 1st Tier H/F ($136-155): Premium side boxes with outstanding sightlines - can see finger work of musicians.
• Orchestra CC/BB ($149-150): Center-rear orchestra seats with perfect acoustic blend and full-stage view.
• Premier 1st Tier F ($145-146): Elevated boxes with direct sightlines to conductor's podium.

Premium/Last-Minute Options

• First Tier Center F ($627-647): The absolute best seats in the house - perfect sightlines and acoustic "sweet spot".
• Orchestra BB. ($183): Last-minute center orchestra seats at 30% premium.

Key View Differences

• 1st Tier vs 2nd Tier: 1st tier gets you closer to see musicians' techniques, while 2nd tier offers better overall ensemble perspective.
• Side vs Center: Center seats have perfect acoustic balance, while side seats often provide interesting sectional views.
• Front vs Rear Orchestra: Front catches more direct sound, while rear gets better blended acoustics.

My Top Recommendation

For "The Firebird," I suggest the 1st Tier Level K, Row D ($122) - you'll have perfect visibility of the woodwinds and percussion that feature prominently in Stravinsky's score, while still getting excellent overall sound at a reasonable price point.

Pro Tips

• Arrive early to enjoy the hall's famous pipe organ visible above the stage
• Second tier seats in Davies often provide better sound than equivalent-priced orchestra seats
• For this program, prioritize seats with good percussion section visibility