The talk here about optimal seating when attending live orchestral performances is definitely fascinating and helpful for me, and I appreciate all the contributions here.
Gives me something to think about next time.
As the saying goes, anything worth doing is worth doing right.
Should $ and circumstances allow, I would be well advised to enjoy the performance optimally.
Sat front row at the symphony...
Yesterday, I got to sit in the front row to hear the Pittsburgh Symphony do Beethoven's Piano Concerto no 1 and the Shostakovich Symphony no 10. I know we all talk about audio gear here, but I have to tell you, sitting in the best seat in the house (Heinz Hall) was an amazing audio experience. I'm not sure the best audio gear in the world can quite match it. Maybe I'm wrong, but I was mesmerized by the acoustics of the hall and the dynamics of one of the world's best orchestras.