Benaroya Hall
Categories: Performing Arts, Music Venues [Edit]
Neighborhood: Downtown200 University St
Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 215-4700
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Garage
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Music: Live
- Best Nights: Fri, Sat, Sun
- Happy Hour: No
- Smoking: Outdoor Area/Patio Only
- Coat Check: Yes
23 Reviews for 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.
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.
$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.
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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. :)
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I met Barack Obama here.
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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.
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.
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!
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After two hours of thoroughly enjoying Play! A Video Game Symphony at Benaroya with my kids, I was a little sad that no one I know enjoys the more traditional symphony offerings and I'd have to go by myself. Then I realized I don't care. The Symphony is too good and Benaroya too nice to mind attending solo. I'm also curious to see if the video screens over the stage are used for classical concerts, because the camera shots of the orchestra playing were interesting and well done. My son, of course, was in raptures over the video game scenes interspersed with the orchestra shots.
We had the cheapest seats I could buy and my apprehension about that was totally unfounded. Row X on the outside aisle provided a clear view of the stage and excellent acoustics. The seats are pretty close together, but perfectly comfortable for two hours. I'm looking forward to going back next week for a National Geographic Live lecture.
I've also attended a company meeting in the Illsley Rehearsal Hall, which went very well. And here's a tip if you do something like that and the event is catered. Stand by the top of the stairs, because not only can you admire the Chihuly piece there, the servers will come up the stairs and be mobbed by hungry people so by the time they make it to the middle of the crowd the Crab Rangoon and prawns and chicken skewers will all be gone. Not that I'm bitter about that.
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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.
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it's beautiful inside and out. I danced the night away during the waltz held once a year in there. It was very clean and the view from the windows were crystal clear. It's nice that they have a fountain near it. Bonus, a bus stop which plays violin music while waiting. The bathrooms are marbled and elegant.
Culture!
I like the setup.
Order your intermission drinks before the show starts.
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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.
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The space is great I have loved every concert I have been too here. The perfect venue for a metropolitian orcestra.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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....
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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!
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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.
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I have been to Benaroya Hall a number of times and have usually enjoyed myself. The hall is very big and spacious if perhaps a little too Scandinavian in design, very clean and unadorned. Great views of the city and a great place to work that new dress with a glass of wine in hand. The buiding opens to 3rd avenue and a rather dodgy Metro stop so one does not feel like they are in an isolated cocoon of class and prosperity which for regular folks like me is a little consoling. The sound of the audatorium is good but not ear splitting loud but the seats get a little uncomfortable after about the first 1/2 hour. Also, the ticket agents could stand some education. I purchased tickets to see a particular performer I had been waiting to see for years, I was soooo excited and told the ticket agent how thrilled I was to finally be seeing "X" performer. The person gave me 3 dates and I picked one. Showed up the day of the performance and waited, and waited, and finally by intermission I discovered that I was sold tix for the ONE performance that my beloved "X" performer was NOT performing...I literally cried, I was so pissed. So be sure that the person you want to see will be performing the date you request.
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