St David's Hall Cardiff- anyone been?

[VodkawithRosie]

Am thinking of booking to see an orchestra there, but the seating plan is confusing me. They appear to have seats all around the platform, but the ones behind it are in the cheap bracket. What obvious reason am I missing seeing as they are the same distance away as other seats costing twice as much? I haven't been there before (or to see an orchestra alone actually, DH's request) so am struggling to visualise it.

I've been there, can't imagine why they are so much cheaper, it's all OK as far as I can recall (was long time ago though)

I wonder if it's a restricted view thing- as in you'd be looking at the back of their heads? Have just looked at a pianist and the same seats aren't the cheapest, although they are still a lot less.

thanks Ellie

anyone else been?

I've sat in seats behind the orchestra before (although not in St. David's) and I think the official reason they're cheaper is that the acoustics are less good at the back, with the musicians 'projecting' the music forwards somehow, and if there any soloists the rest of the orchestra will be between them and you, as it were. Personally, I've never found the sound quality too problematic and I think it's all down to snobbishness - everyone knows the front rows in front of the orchestra are the most expensive seats, so people want to be SEEN to be sitting there. Yes, classical music fans can be that petty.

That's what I wondered MMG, thanks, it makes it easier to see them at those prices- the difference is huge!

Hi,
The seats behind the orchestra do not lose anything in acoustic, as the space is designed to have great sound quality everywhere.
They are less expensive becuase, as several people suggest, you are looking at the back of the orchestra. It's still a great experience, and of course can be very interesting to see the front of the conductor. If there are soloists they will be at the front of the stage facing away from you, but you will still get the sound and of course be able to see them, just from the back!
Hope this helps,
St David's Hall

OOoo! thanks, that's really helpful