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Benaroya Hall
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- Good for Kids:
- Yes
44 reviews for Benaroya Hall
Buying tickets, it always seems like the venue is more spread out than it really is. I purchased a ticket in row JJ and the sound quality and view were perfectly fine. Even the seats on the far sides seemed to be acceptably centered for the best possible experience. However the lower price does result in a slightly less overwhelming sound. We sat in one of the front rows for Messiah last year and it was spectacular.
The one thing I miss most about attending musical performances is that delicious silence after the final note. It lingers for a few seconds before people erupt into applause. As a performer and audience member, it's much more satisfying to let that last note ring to a silent room and let the beauty of it sink in. Now a days, people are much too eager to jump the gun and ruin my afterglow.
Unmatched acoustics and seating. The best seats in the house may be the cheapest seats in the house. Pretty amazing.
One minus is that the wine tasting that was held before the performance was one of the worst organized events I have ever seen. They didn't bring enough wine. The lines were hundreds of people long. Complete and utter failure at any price. They should hire some gradeschoolers to run it better.
This place is a pure class. Come here and enjoy it.
The place is simply gorgeous inside. Even though I've been here several times, I always seem to plop my lil self down in a seat and crane my head around looking at everything. It's like I regress to a small, inquisitive child that can sit and stare at some small detail for hours, trying to absorb, understand and appreciate.
We came here for a concert and had seats in the center section, down in front. I know parking gets congested in the underground parking area, so we opted to park a couple blocks away. It was a great way to stretch our legs after the show, too.
The sound was great, although the main act was a little too loud for my tastes.
The entry way was large enough that we weren't bumping into everyone as we made our way to our seats. The walk to our seats made for some good people watching, too. All in all, it's a built for a special night out on the town.
David motherfucking Byrne.
amazing.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/13/2008
Carly LOVES her some symphony and loves to go to Benaroya. I have been here a few times, and every… Read more »
We have been here a few times, and I've finally decided to write a review due to how impressed I was this last weekend. The production was simply named An Evening with Bach. This particular performance was mainly strings, which I love. Nicholas McGegan was the conductor. He managed to blend humor and class effortlessly. Ani Kavafian, the guest violinist, performed brilliantly. At one point, my husband whispered, "Wow!" McGegan's magnetism and enthusiasm shined throughout the evening.
We bought the tickets the day before the performance, and were pleasantly surprised to see great seats available (Section B orchestra). The process was effortless. The website even allows you to purchase prepaid subterranean parking. We usually have them send us our tickets, but picked them up at the box office this time due to the last minute purchase. Everything was hassle-free.
Benaroya Hall has decent pre-show food available for purchase outside of their lobby area, but I would recommend it if you haven't made other dinner plans. This time, we had a 5:30 reservation in Belltown before our arrival at 7:45.
Benaroya is a great venue, and hosts really diverse performances in addition to the excellent Seattle Symphony. It's beautiful, centrally located, and I'm told by people who know things that the acoustics are really, really good and there are no bad seats in the house. I guess in the interest of full disclosure I should note that I work here as an usher. But to my mind that is worth at least 3/4 of a star in these troubled economic times.
Thank you for employing me, Benaroya Hall.
Benaroya Hall is an amazing venue that is home to the Seattle Symphony and hosts a number of other amazing groups. It's central location is easy for those who want to drive, catch the ferry, catch the bus, or simply walk (although, if you are going the symphony, why catch the bus?).
Anyway, the soaring lobby isn't fancy. However on a clear afternoon as the sun is setting over Elliot Bay, the view is just down right spectacular!
The acoustics in the auditorium are simply amazing and I have yet to find a bad seat in the house. Even in the nosebleed section.
Parking is available in the basement (although, get their early as it fills up quick!).
I've been here for various events and remain impressed with the atmosphere of the Hall in general and the fabulous acoustics in specific. It doesn't matter what you hear here (a gospel concert, a poetry reading, a classical concert, a jazz concert) it'll all sound good.
One thing I don't like (an urban reality) is the homeless who seem to easily enter the lobby after shows begging for money. They wig out the suburbanites and are a jolting shock back to reality after a sensual evening of auditory heaven.
Had a good time at teh show, great venue but.....
Wolfgang Puck???? more like Wolfgang Puke!
One of the most exceptional symphonic concert halls on the planet, at least according to the experts--speaking in terms of the acoustics. It's nice inside, feels modern and grand without being stuffy or off-putting. You can see and hear perfectly from virtually every seat in the house. The staff is efficient and professional. You can park. You can eat very well nearby.
They really went out of their way to put this place together, and they did an amazing, amazing job. I've seen classical, jazz, rock, and comedy performances here, always comfortable, always enjoyable. The sound really stands up and beats its chest here, too--it really is amazing to hear lots of acoustic instruments totally dominate such a large space.
And that pipe organ is something I need to hear someday. It looks too cool.
Its georgeous, the symphony the masses of old, crusty white people in their danskos and polar fleece, and the BLOODY ADORABLE senior ticket ripper people make it totally a good night. Did I mention how much I like the seniors who are ushers and take your tickets, and how much they made me just want to hug them? Because they were just... so... omfg! But why the 3 star review?
The food here BLOWS CHUCKS! Seriously, since when is 13 smackers for a plate of cold, overcooked and under-seasoned carbohydrates worth, well... 13 dollars? Has this little pre-made-to-service-the-opera-crowd unaware of a thing called steam tables? What about heat lamps? Or not overcooking chicken? My food was 15 bucks for stuff so cold Cruella DeVille would have warmed it up. And the cashier/ringer lady raised hell when I went back to question her about why the hell she charged me 10 dollars for quiche I never ordered.
10 bucks for quiche? I wouldnt pay that much even if the Dalai Llama had made is with his own sweat and tears. Maybe, I would, actually, but you get the point.
I didn't know that weddings were held here, and that when you get invited to an event here it would transform into such an elegant place. (for all events)
I've watched symphony's here
concerts here,
company parties here,
weddings here.......
The list goes on....
immaculate is all I can really say... amazingly immaculate
Benaroya as a concert hall might be without equal. The acoustics are pristine. As other people mentioned the food court or whatever is not great but I think the venue more than makes up for it.
$10-12 Alcohol. $5 Pop. $3.50 Bottled Water. You know why this place gets 5 stars? Because I'm not enough of a raving lunatic to pay the aforementioned prices for any of the above beverages.
I saw a singer-songwriter-folk singer/harpist here who will remain nameless because people might claim I am trying to gain hipster street cred (hipsters have street cred, don't they?). She performed with an orchestra. I sat in the balcony. It was fantastic. The acoustics were perfect and the orchestra and the harp blended together to make some truly phenomenal music.
In front of me were a couple of people who were - oh, how do I put this politely? - tripping their fuckin' balls off. I talked to one of them right before intermission ended and he said when she was playing the harp it was like rays or beams were coming up to him.
I, being the curious type, asked him, "Do you mean like some kind of energy beam or more like a death ray?"
His eyes widened and he didn't move for an hour or so after that. He was still sitting in his seat when I left. I either killed him, put him in a coma or sent him on the trip of his life. I hope it was the last one.
rest and relaxation....
Say you're having a horrid week. There's a creepy guy at work that is really creeping you out, you had an accounting test that you didn't really study for, and you are suppose to translate documents into Korean even though you only have a rudimentary understanding of the language.... ok, so this might not have been your week, but it was mine. To say that I was stressed, is an understatement. So i went online purchased some tickets to the symphony (FOR ONLY 20 BUCKS!! WTF!!! WHY IS THIS SO CHEAP!!!) put on my pretty pretty dress, got dolled up and headed to Benaroya. They were playing mozart.... i got ready really really really fast. (i mean it's mozart, i didn't want to be late!)
They opened with the Oveture from Don Giovanni and let me tell you, my body just melted. Somehow the music conveyed all that I was going through the past week, and in it, i found empathy. The cacophony of music was glorious and it was great to shut down all but one of my senses and be consumed by such beautiful music. In a life where things are so hectic and you're running 100mph, it's great to do something that slows you down and really really really relaxes you. It was like being in your mother's embrace. The sadness just disappears because you know you're safe.
As for the orchestra and maestro, they were superb. It's wonderful seeing individuals love their jobs and they really did. You can hear their love as each note is played with such tenderness and
I also think that there is not a single bad seat in the house. Since symphonies aren't reliant on visuals, you can't go wrong.
So go here, relax... unwind... let tenderness envelop you and take you to your happy place. :)
Just quick update.. I recently went to an amazing concert here... sat..VERY LAST ROW POSSIBLE. ...yet were was still able to hear the performer talking on stage :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/30/2008
I love this place. I used to go to concerts here -from School kids play to Yo Yo Ma, and really each… Read more »
I love, love, LOVE Benaroya Hall.
I've been to many different symphony halls across the country, and this is the most beautiful one I have had the pleasure of being in. It is elegant and grand, and makes me feel like I'm in a different time and place whenever I'm here. The acoustics of the hall itself are outstanding and the sound melts and melds around you.
I can't figure out why everyone's giving the love but holding back a star. It's a 5-star joint people!
Just saw "Play! A Video Game Symphony" here this afternoon, and the whole experience was lovely. Parked next door to avoid the traffic for $7. Sweet! Had second tier center tickets, and the view was spectacular. Wasn't interested in intermission drinks (why would I want to be needing the restroom when it all got out???) so can't comment on that. Totally dug the folks who got all dressed up in their gowns. We were wearing typical Seattle gear (but no jeans) and were generally presentable.
I even tested out what the program states: Ushers will have cough drops sponsored by Ricola. Oh yeah they do, and three of them fought to be the first one to get me my cough drops. I'm all about free cough drops!*
Lovely lovely lovely!
*I've actually been fighting off a cough so I didn't just put them through the effort for nothing!
I graduated from high school at Benaroya Hall, and always thought it was impressive in size and scale, but after attending one of my best friend's wedding receptions here, Benaroya leapt to a new level in my book. In all of it's wedding decorated glory, this hall was simply, wonderfully, and absolutely GORGEOUS.
First of all - the windows are sky high, with light flooding in at all angles. One would think this wouldn't be the ideal venue for a wedding reception, well let me enlighten you. The head table paralleled the steps entering into the symphony hall, and cocktail hour was held on the balcony wrapping around the perimeter above.
When the bride and groom made their first entrance, they entered on the top most balcony, giving them a supreme bird's eye view to smile and take a visual inventory of their guests.
With dinner we migrated downstairs where two buffet tables lined the far walls, making for zero crowds or waiting in line - always awesome! Dancing commenced under the twinkling lights and sweeping white banners on a dance floor brought in for the occasion.
The acoustics were excellent (as should be expected) and we danced the night away to Stevie Wonder & company...All in all a spectacular, impressive venue for a wedding - one I'll never forget!
A definite five star venue and a fitting place to take my #400 review spot.
Yes, I had been holding onto this particular review spot, truly marking that Yelp is an addiction and not just a passing fancy. And I saved it for something this worthy.
First off, the venue is lovely. The architecture is modern but not as cold or sterile as other symphony halls I've attended. It strangely has a cozy feeling to it. Perhaps it is because it is a small hall for a major city, but it seems appropriate for Seattle.
Of course the Founder's level are the coveted seats and go quite quickly. I was fortunate enough to get the second best seats, which are any of the box seats available. They offer beautiful views and a more intimate feel. You may actually enjoy only being near two other couples than crammed into a long row. But the hand off is no head on view.
There have been many shows I have missed here, most recently La Boheme, which I do regret. But when I heard Play! was coming I was most pleased.
First off, Play! is a unique experience. You get a cross-section of regular symphony patrons, older video game lovers, and parents and their video game loving children. So it's a nice mix of young and old. Informed music lovers and people who just like games.
For me, this experience turned out to be so much more. It was our 10 year anniversary and thanks to MMAD we were able to enjoy it.
We also didn't realize until we were there that Arnie Roth was the conductor. Most people don't know who he is, but he was originally part of "Dear Friends" and "More Friends". These were projects of Nobou Uematsu, the composer of many of the Final Fantasy series music, raved as some of the greatest video game music ever composed.
In 2003 and 2004 for E3, Uematsu translated his music for the LA Philharmonic and with Roth gave the world a wonderful new experience. The shows were once in a lifetime.
The whole idea of symphony translated video game music was belittled and even right before the performance, the musicians were laughing to the press about it. It wasn't until afterwards that they admitted to the same press that they had never heard an audience applaud, hoot, holler and react so passionately to any music they had ever performed.
Thus Play! was able to be born. Uematsu also took the time to create the Fanfare piece and of course allowed many of his Final Fantasy pieces to be played during Play!, including the breathtaking finale "One Winged Angel".
While Play! was a wonderful experience, it was 1/10th of what Roth's previous concerts were. The Seattle Symphony itself is quite small and could not reproduce the soul moving energy and depth that a full orchestra could. The songs were varied from many different consoles and generations. Which was a nice sample of all the music but isolated much of the audience. I mean almost anyone today knows the Super Mario Bros tune. But most won't pick up Oblivion, Halo, or even what a Final Fantasy tune sounds like. Which was evident from the lack of response. This was not meant to be pinky-in-the-air aristocratic music where you sit staring and unmoved. As in the previous two concerts, Roth wants people to communicate with him and the symphony. And truly, I think he expected more yelling and whistling then what was offered.
Overall, the performance was unique, the acoustics were solid and the view spectacular. The downers were the lack of enthusiasm from the crowd and the size of the symphony, which didn't do the music justice. Hopefully neither will deter Roth from bringing this show to other cities.
Last week Trish and I experienced the FINEST in Illinois cheese. I know, people will tell you Wisconson is the state to go to for cheese but let me tell you, the super soft, syrupy yet stinky cheese that was made in the Windy City in the seventies and eighties will rival the softest and smelliest that Europe has to offer. Thankfully the evening was buffered by the fine selecton of liquor offered at the Benaroya Hall lobby bar.
Content of the evening aside, the acoustics in this place are awesome. We have seen a number of concerts here. From Classical Symphonies to Jazz to Rock, all have sounded amazing, although some nauseatingly so. Thankfully for those, as mentioned above, they have a pretty good selection of liquor to dull the pain.
The only, minor, nock on this beautiful hall is the seats could be a little more comfortable. Other than that, I love going to concerts at Benaroya Hall.
I've been here a couple times- for SciFi Themes with Seattle Orchestra, and for Terry Fator. Both times we sat in one of the side tier booths. Both great spots- even being right over the stage, but at that point you do lose advantage of seeing them straight on or when they turn to the other side. The sound is incredible, though.
love this place- it's gorgeous, the staff is very friendly, and I really don't think there is a bad seat in the house.
i was here for a benefit show last week and came away from it amazed!!
the building itself is beautiful on the outside and just as fabulous, if not better, on the inside
it doesn't look as big on the outside as it is in the inside and i was surprised at its size!
the sound was amazing and i felt really in the moment as i was there watching the show
can't wait to go back in a few months for a gershwin show!
Came here to see Debussy's La Mer last weekend. It was a beautiful building and the music sounded great. Loved the organ in the background.
Two dollars for a soda is a bit ridiculous, but other than that....
Rock!
The Benaroya Hall is a beautiful building. The big windows and the chihuly glass art inside. I love the fountain in the courtyard on 2nd and University. And the music playing outside.
I theatre it self is nice, very open, you can look around you at the other audience members, but you are below the stage which I don't like as much. But I guess there is no one blocking your view.
I don't like how the main doors open up to a bus stop. Where starbucks and wolfgang puck and that cute little shop is. That sidewalk is always so dirty there, I don't even like waiting for the bus out front.
So 4 stars for the good architecture and chihuly glass work, but minus 1 star for the dirtiness on 3rd avenue, out front of Benaroya.
As a classical music novice, i cannot compare this to famous venues or comment on the Symphony Orchestra's skill levels. I can comment on the value-for-money for a novice, interested in learning with friends.
At the beginning of the Symphony season a group of friends were getting together to buy a set of seats using a 'series ticket' (buy tickets to several concerts get a mjor discount) to the symphony and asked if I wanted to join them. What a great way to learn, listen then discuss with friends more knowledgeable than myself. For my pocket, symphony tickets are expensive, buying a series makes the music accessible. We bought a pack of 9 tickets and each concert works out at about $15. If someone cannot make a specific night they offer the ticket to the others, who then find a companion to join us on that night. It all balances out, I wont attend 9 concerts, but the seat will get used and each evening is a night out with friends.
Even if you don't get 'moved' by the music, watching the audience and the Orchestra can be excellent fun. The soloist who's cell-phone rang on stage. The Violinist who looks like a member of ZZ-top, I wonder what he does in his spare time? The young adults, the elegant gentlemen and ladies in full-lenght dresses, the architecture... ..the anime tentacle-like glass chandelier...
I recommend using this luxury, Seattle residents are lucky to have access to a Symphony....
Culture!
I like the setup.
Order your intermission drinks before the show starts.
I want to go to the symphony! I keep saying I'm going to, and I still haven't made it.
I've seen a few of comedy shows (Chris Rock, Bill Maher, and Cosby) here actually, and I have really enjoyed it every time.
It's really pretty, and the sound is perfect.
Very beautiful room. Great acoustics. Crowd is very refined and nice to rub elbows with. Good location within Seattle
Lovely stylized venue, good acoustics for music ( not so good for voice or spoken word events.) I wish the seats had more leg room.
Be sure and ask an usher if they know where the flamingoes are. Really.
I absolutely adore this hall (the Chihuly chandeliers are fabulous too)!! I last took in Rachmaninoff's 3rd - incredible performance and unsurpassed acoustics!!
Great venue for a concert. The sound is great, parking is easy - I recommend.
This is one of the very best symphony halls in the the West as far as acoustics. THe location is great. There are tons of cool, nearby places to eat at before and to have a drink at after the show. the lobby is really nice and it has a small garden in front. It is a large facility so if you are way in the back your expericne may not be a good as if you can score some sweet seats. It's too bad that some of the recent controversy regarding its prime tenant, the SSO, has put a slight tarnish on its otherwise stellar repuation. The building itself is pretty nice but a better architect and/or bigger budget might have provided downtown with a slightly more progressive looking facility. But all in all this is a great venue.
Looks like it belongs in Los Angeles. But I'll have to admit that it adds a lot to a Third Avenue that prior to the construction of Benaroya Hall was getting very down at the ears.
Nice to hear a waft of classical music--although it has become more and more pop-sounding--for those people waiting to catch a bus on Third Avenue.
The acoustics are supposedly very good--but I have a "tin ear" but such things.
Have been to only three concerts or recitals here since it opened, the first marred by a gentlemen who obviously was not there for the experience of a live classical recital: he thumbed through a magazine, loudly, the whole time, rarely looking up.
It was a wonderful idea to build a symphony hall right in the heart of downtown. The Nordstrom Recital Hall is for recitals--chamber music, principally. The Grand Lobby is glitzy-ritzy.
Behind Benaroya Hall is a (smallish) Garden of Remembrance, with its dark granite wall dedicated to war veterans and its discreetly placed, well manicured shrubbery and gently cascading pools of water--all fairly close to an entrance to the Metro Tunnel.
And across Second Avenue is the post-modernist Robert Venturi (with its giddy art deco references, etc.) addition to the Seattle Art Museum.
I went to see the Seattle Symphony perform 'Play! A Video Game Symphony' here. The venue is lovely. The performers are world-class. There's a little drop-step between the seats that I personally witnessed a bunch of people stumble into, but that's the only bad thing I can really say about this venue.
However, the behavior of the concert-goers was, to be frank, appalling. I understand that this was a videogame-themed event and may not be the best cross-section of symphony-attendees on which to judge, but just in case, here are some atrocious behaviors that YOU should not replicate:
1. The symphony is not a rock concert. You should not whoop and holler during performances, even if the pretty, shiny overhead screens show (oh my god) something you recognize! You may have spent a lot of time playing Guitar Hero, but under no circumstances is it EVER ok to shout 'play freebird' to an orchestra. Your mouth, as a matter of fact, should STAY SHUT throughout the evening. If you can't handle that, walk the few blocks to Pioneer Square and argue loudly with the homeless. They will appreciate the attention, and symphony-goers will appreciate the fact that you're gone.
2. Turn off your cell phones. Seriously. If you are too important to turn your phone off, you shouldn't be wasting your time with frivolous amusements (and ruining them for others). Go! Go! For the good of the city! Out into the street! In front of a bus!
3. Leave your Utilikilt at home. Not appropriate. Your 'dress jeans', no matter how acid washed? Not appropriate. Coming in some sort of full-regalia black mage costume that you're obviously SO PROUD of? NOT APPROPRIATE. Leave that shit for hippie festivals, Bon Jovi concerts, and nerd conventions, respectively. If the performers are all in tuxedos, the least you can do is put on a suit. Seriously.
By following these easy rules, you'll make the symphony better for everyone!
Benaroya Hall is the place to go for classical music in Seattle. We first attended a free Sunday show for the opening of the season and were completely blown away by the fantastic acoustics. If you're concerned about seating, don't be. Anywhere you sit in Benaroya guarantees a beautiful sound. If you're in your 20's and 30's, call up the Symphony and ask them about the WolfGang. It's a great way to meet others, attend fun wine tastings at intermission, learn more about the concerts, and go to some awesome parties.
I've been here a few times for concerts/the symphony and a few times for company meetings. I've discovered that the seats in the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium can be a bit uncomfortable at times but the seats in the Illsley Rehearsal Hall are roomy and comfortable and provide a great seating experience for what ever you may be experiencing in that hall. The acoustics are great for any event that takes place there and I could stare at the Dale Chihuly sculptures Crystal Cascade all day long I love them.
Pure enjoyment. Every visit here is exceptional. Sunday was my 3rd time going to Mozart's Requiem and I loved every second of it like it was my first time hearing it. Unfortunately that's the only thing I've gone to here but I do plan on attending more events.
My daughter is a fan of classical music. This was the spot she first listened to it live, @ 8 months in my womb. She thoroughly enjoyed it, moving joyously around as we sat in box seats. One of my most cherished memories.
My Valentine's Day present this year was dinner and tickets to the Seattle Symphony. I was very surprised but delighted by such an unexpected gift! It was my first time in Benaroya Hall and I thought it was really simplistically beautiful. I am not that familiar with classical music, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I can't really say anything about the quality of the performance - I have little to base it on, but for the very little it's worth, I thought it was great. I was really surprised at how young the crowd was (majority 20s-40ish) as every other symphony I've attended has been overridden by the 65+ crowd (not that that keeps me away - it's just something I noticed!). It was a great evening of music, people watching, and really enjoying something Seattle has to offer. I hope to go back sooN!
