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

Expert Guide to Davies Symphony Hall Seating for Classical Concerts

Experience Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting Stravinsky's "The Firebird" with optimal acoustics and views. Davies Symphony Hall's unique "vineyard" seating design offers excellent sightlines from nearly every section, but strategic seat selection enhances both sound quality and value.

💰 Best Value Tickets (Under $100)

• Orchestra Row M ($57): Mid-rear orchestra with full-stage view. Best budget option despite being further back - the hall's acoustics compensate.
• 2nd Tier GG Row H ($68): Elevated side section with clear sightlines to stage. Slight angle actually improves sound projection.
• 2nd Tier Row A ($82): Front of upper level - closer than many orchestra seats at lower price. Minimal vertical angle.

🎯 Sweet Spot (Best Balance of Price & Quality $85-$110)

• Premier Orchestra Row L ($85): Center-orchestra sound with premium legroom. 12 rows from stage - ideal for seeing bow work.
• Upper Orchestra AA/BB ($100-$104): Rear orchestra but with elevated view over heads. Perfect for watching conductor's technique.
• 2nd Tier EE Row H ($105): Directly opposite stage - the "acoustic sweet spot" where sound engineers position microphones.

🎻 Higher Tier Options (Premium Views $120-$160)

• 1st Tier Level K Row D ($122): Closest side boxes with intimate feel. Can see facial expressions of musicians.
• Orchestra Rows BB/CC ($125-$150): Golden middle orchestra - close enough for detail but far enough for full ensemble perspective.
• Premier 1st Tier Rows A-F ($146-$155): Unobstructed views from curved first tier. Ideal for watching string sections interact.

✨ Premium & Last-Minute Splurges

• Loge Seats ($246-$261): Smallest sections with private feel. Loge M has direct center views perfect for ballet sequences.
• First Tier Center ($627+): For ultimate VIPs - these center boxes offer both visual and acoustic perfection.

🔍 View Differences by Section

• Orchestra: Rows A-M (closest). Rows BB-CC are ideal midpoint. Rear orchestra (DD+) loses some detail.
• 1st Tier: Wraps around sides - closer to stage than equivalent orchestra seats. Center sections are ultra-premium.
• 2nd Tier: Excellent overall perspective. Front rows (A-C) rival orchestra views at lower cost.
• Upper Orchestra: Elevated rear section - better for watching full ensemble than front orchestra seats.

🎼 Special Notes for "The Firebird"

For this ballet-inspired work, consider sightlines to percussion section (stage right) and harp (stage left). 2nd Tier EE or Premier 2nd Tier provide ideal vantage points to watch these special effects.

📌 Final Recommendations

• Best Overall: Premier Orchestra L ($85) or 2nd Tier EE H ($105)
• Budget Pick: Orchestra M ($57) or 2nd Tier GG H ($68)
• Premium Choice: 1st Tier K D ($122) or Orchestra BB ($125)
• Avoid: Extreme side boxes (tiers AA/JJ) for this visual-heavy performance