Dorothy Chandler Pavilion | Best Seats for Los Angeles Opera & Rigoletto

Expert Guide to Seating & Ticket Value at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion offers one of the finest opera experiences in Los Angeles, with excellent acoustics and sightlines throughout the theater. Below is my expert breakdown of the best ticket options for Los Angeles Opera performances like Rigoletto, categorized by value, view quality, and seating recommendations.

Best Value Tickets (Under $150)

• Balcony Rows L-N ($104-$128): These rear balcony seats offer solid views of the stage at the lowest prices. Row L at $104 is particularly good value, though you'll want opera glasses for facial expressions.
• Balcony B Row M ($136): Center balcony section with better head-on views than standard balcony seats at only slightly higher cost.
• Balcony Row F ($168): Front of the balcony with dramatically improved sightlines - worth the upgrade if your budget allows.

Sweet Spot Seats (Best Balance of Price & View)

• Balcony A Row E ($186): Premium balcony location with excellent direct sightlines to the stage.
• Lower Balcony Row F ($199): Closer to the stage than standard balcony with minimal obstruction.
• Front Balcony Row D ($222): Nearly loge-level views at balcony prices - one of the best values in the house.

Premium Orchestra & Loge Seating

• Loge Ring Rows E-G ($269-$279): The famous "ring" seats offer perfect elevation and acoustic balance. Row E provides the best value in this section.
• Orchestra Rows U-X ($274-$309): Mid-orchestra seats with excellent proximity to the stage. Row X is slightly better for overall perspective.
• Loge Rows B-C ($330-$391): Front loge seats with unimpeded views - perfect for seeing costume details.

Premium & VIP Options

• Founders Circle ($528-$667): The absolute best seats in the house with plush seating and perfect sightlines. Row K offers the best value in this elite section.
• Orchestra Row C ($480): Ultra-close seating for those who want to be near the stage action.

View Considerations by Section

• Balcony: Higher rows (L-R) may have slight overhang obstruction. Front balcony (Rows A-F) offers excellent panoramic views.
• Loge: The side loge sections have some angled views - center loge is preferable for opera.
• Orchestra: Rows beyond T provide better overall perspective than front orchestra for taking in the full stage.
• Founders Circle: Perfect elevation with no view obstructions - the gold standard for opera viewing.

My Top Recommendations

• Budget-Conscious: Balcony Row L ($104) or Balcony B Row M ($136)
• Best Mid-Range: Front Balcony Row D ($222) or Loge Ring Row E ($279)
• Premium Experience: Founders Circle Row K ($667) or Orchestra Row X ($274)
• Last Minute Splurge: Loge Row B ($391) for incredible close-up views

Acoustic Notes

The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is renowned for its acoustics. While all seats sound good, the Loge Ring and Founders Circle positions offer the most balanced audio experience, capturing both the orchestra and vocal performances perfectly.

Final Tip

For Rigoletto and other operas, I recommend prioritizing elevation over proximity. The Loge and Front Balcony seats often provide better overall experiences than similarly-priced orchestra seats, as you can better appreciate the full stage pictures and supertitles.