The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs at the Woodruff Arts Center in midtown Atlanta. With over 150 musicians, it is one of the finest symphony orchestras in the United States. Their home venue, the Symphony Hall, seats approximately 2000 people and provides an intimate yet thrilling concert experience. But with so many seats to choose from, how do you know where the best spots are?
In this article, we’ll discuss the different factors to consider when selecting seats at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. We’ll provide an overview of the hall layout, analyze the pros and cons of different seating sections, and make recommendations for the optimal seats based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for the most immersive sound, the best view of the musicians, or seats on a budget, you’ll find helpful tips here to get the most out of your Atlanta Symphony Orchestra experience.
Hall Layout and Stage Orientation
The Symphony Hall has a shoebox-style layout, meaning it has high, parallel walls and a fan-shaped main floor. The stage is at the narrow end, with the audience extending outwards in the wider section.
Main Floor Seating
The main floor contains just over 1,100 seats arranged in a semi-circle facing the stage. These seats are divided into three sections:
– Center main floor – The prime central seats extending out directly in front of the stage. This section has 20 rows (A through T).
– Left main floor – The seats to the left of the center section, has 15 rows (A through O).
– Right main floor – The seats to the right of the center have 15 rows (A through O).
Box Seating
The hall has 34 box seats in two levels located along the side walls – 17 on each side. The lower boxes are numbered 1 through 17, while the upper boxes are numbered 101 through 117. Each box can accommodate up to six people.
Balcony Seating
The balcony has over 850 seats and wraps around the back and sides in a horseshoe shape. These seats are divided into three sections:
– Center balcony – The central section directly behind the main floor has 18 rows (A through R).
– Left and right balconies – Forming the arms of the horseshoe on each side, with 9 rows (A through I).
– Choral terrace – This small section is behind the stage, offering a unique view of the performers from behind. It has just 3 rows (A through C).
Now that we’ve covered the layout of the hall, let’s analyze the pros and cons of the different seating sections.
Main Floor Seating Pros and Cons
Center Main Floor
**Pros:**
– Closest to the stage for an intimate, immersive experience
– Best view of soloists and conductors
– Central location for balanced, clear sound
**Cons:**
– Most expensive seats in the hall
– Limited legroom between rows
Left and Right Main Floor
**Pros:**
– Still close to the stage and musicians
– Angled view allows seeing more of the orchestra
– Less expensive than central main floor
**Cons:**
– Sound quality not as centered as middle seats
– View of conductor partially obstructed
Box Seating Pros and Cons
Lower Boxes
**Pros:**
– Close distance from the stage
– Elevated view over main floor
– Spacious legroom
**Cons:**
– Very limited availability
– Obstructed sightlines to opposite side of stage
– Prone to echo and amplification
Upper Boxes
**Pros:**
– Intimate setting with just a few seats
– Unique viewing angle from the side
– Lower price than lower boxes
**Cons:**
– Farther distance from the stage
– Very obstructed view of opposite side
– Sound quality varies by location
Balcony Seating Pros and Cons
Center Balcony
**Pros:**
– Elevated view of the full stage
– Lower price than main floor
– Central location for balanced sound
**Cons:**
– Farther distance reduces intimacy
– Limited legroom between rows
Side Balconies
**Pros:**
– Angled side view of orchestra
– Immersive surround sound
– Least expensive balcony tickets
**Cons:**
– Partially obstructed view
– Imbalanced sound quality
Choral Terrace
**Pros:**
– Unique behind-the-stage perspective
– Intimate setting with just 3 rows
– Lower cost than main balcony
**Cons:**
– Very obstructed view of conductors and soloists
– Sound quality varies greatly by seat
Best Seats for Key Factors
Now that we’ve compared the pros and cons of each section, let’s summarize the best seats in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra hall based on key decision factors:
Best Overall Sound Quality
– Center main floor (rows H-P)
– Center balcony (rows F-M)
Best View of Conductor and Soloists
– Front center main floor (rows B-F)
– Lower boxes 1-8
Most Immersive Experience
– Front center main floor (rows A-E)
– Right and left main floor edges
Best Value Seats
– Rear center balcony (rows N-R)
– Upper boxes 101-108 and 110-117
– Left and right balconies
Most Unique Perspective
– Side upper boxes
– Choral terrace
Section | Key Benefits | Drawbacks |
---|---|---|
Center Main Floor | – Best view of soloists – Balanced sound |
– Most expensive – Limited legroom |
Side Main Floor | – Good view of orchestra – Less expensive |
– Obstructed conductor view – Imbalanced sound |
Center Balcony | – Full stage view – Low cost |
– Distant – Tight rows |
Side Balconies | – Angled stage view – Inexpensive |
– Partial obstructions – Skewed sound |
Boxes | – Intimate setting – Elevated view |
– Limited availability – Varying acoustics |
Tips for an Optimal Concert Experience
To make the most of your Atlanta Symphony Orchestra concert, keep these tips in mind:
– Book early for best availability of seats, as many sections sell out quickly.
– Avoid the back rows of the main floor which tend to have poorer acoustics.
– Read reviews of recent programs to learn if there are choruses or multimedia elements that impact seat choice.
– For matinee shows, avoid the far sides where afternoon glare can be disruptive.
– Dress nicely to complement the formal concert atmosphere.
– Arrive early to settle in, read program notes, and take in the beautiful hall.
– Save big nights out, meals, or drinks for after rather than before, so you can focus on the music.
– Don’t forget to turn off your cell phone ringer to avoid distracting musicians and other guests!
Conclusion
With its superior acoustics, intimate feel, and variety of seating options, Symphony Hall offers a world-class venue for performances by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. When selecting your seats, weigh factors like price, viewing angle, proximity to the stage, and sound quality. The center main floor provides an unparalleled immersive experience with clear sightlines and balanced audio, but center balcony seats also deliver great bang for your buck. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to be moved and inspired by the incredible artistry of this top American orchestra. Let this guide give you confidence to get the most out of your next Atlanta Symphony concert!