Best Seats in Barbican Hall

Introduction

The Barbican Hall is the heart of the Barbican Centre and home to the London Symphony Orchestra. With 1,943 seats in a single-tier wraparound configuration, it offers an acoustic experience quite different from traditional concert halls. Finding the best seats in Barbican Hall depends largely on what you're attending—the venue hosts everything from classical symphonies to jazz, world music to contemporary artists.

The hall underwent major acoustic improvements, and its distinctive Brutalist architecture creates a unique concert-going environment. Unlike Victorian concert halls, there's no balcony hierarchy here—just one sweeping auditorium.

Quick Reference

Best for classical: Stalls rows G-P centre

Best for amplified music: Mid-hall, any section with clear sightlines

Best unique experience: Choir seats (behind the orchestra)

Avoid: Extreme sides, very front rows, rear corners

The Stalls

The main seating area wraps around the stage in a fan shape. Row letters run from A at the front to approximately row W at the rear.

Front Stalls (Rows A-F)

The verdict: Too close for orchestral, potentially good for smaller ensembles.

For full orchestra performances, the front rows put you underneath the sound. Individual instruments dominate, and the blend that makes orchestral music magical is lost. For chamber music, jazz trios, or solo recitals, front rows offer intimacy.

Best seats if sitting here: Rows E-F centre for smaller performances only.

Mid Stalls (Rows G-P)

The verdict: The acoustic sweet spot.

This is where the hall's sound comes together. The LSO's engineers consider this zone the reference point for the venue's acoustic. You hear the full orchestra balanced as intended, with space and warmth.

Best seats: Rows J-M, centre block. This is the prime zone for classical music at the Barbican.

Rear Stalls (Rows Q-W)

The verdict: Adequate but increasingly distant.

Further back, you maintain the acoustic balance but lose visual connection with performers. The Barbican's design means sound remains good, but you're watching rather than experiencing.

Acceptable: Rows Q-S centre if discounted.

Side Sections

The Barbican's wraparound design means side sections have unusual angles on the stage.

The verdict: Acceptable for amplified music, challenging for classical.

For orchestral concerts, side seats give you an angled view of the orchestra and can create acoustic imbalances. For pop, jazz, or amplified performances, this matters less.

Acceptable: Side sections closer to the stage for non-classical events.

Choir Seats

Behind the orchestra, looking out at the audience. A unique Barbican experience.

The verdict: Fascinating for adventurous concert-goers.

You see the conductor's face, watch orchestral musicians from behind, and experience the music from inside the performance. The acoustic is different—more direct, less blended—but memorable.

Consider if: You want a unique perspective, are interested in conducting, or have attended conventional seats before.

Sound Quality

The Barbican has excellent acoustics throughout the central areas:

Best sound: Rows G-P centre—the hall is tuned for this zone.

Good sound: Most centre and near-centre seats.

Variable: Extreme sides, very front, very rear.

Note: For amplified concerts, the PA system distributes sound evenly, making seat position less critical acoustically.

By Event Type

London Symphony Orchestra

For the LSO, mid-Stalls centre is unbeatable. The orchestra sounds magnificent from rows J-M.

Chamber Music

Closer seating works well. Rows D-H offer intimacy without overwhelming proximity.

Jazz and World Music

The Barbican programs diverse music. For amplified or semi-amplified performances, a wider range of seats works well. Prioritize sightlines over acoustics.

Contemporary/Pop

For amplified concerts, sound is consistent. Choose based on view and atmosphere preferences.

Accessibility

The Barbican Centre is largely accessible:

- Wheelchair spaces throughout the Stalls

- Level access to the hall

- Hearing enhancement systems

- Accessible toilets nearby

- Clear sightlines from accessible positions

Booking: Contact the Barbican's access team for specific requirements.

Practical Tips

Getting There

Barbican station is closest. The Centre itself is a maze—allow time to find the Hall within the complex.

Intervals

Bars and cafes on the concert hall level. The Barbican's bars are more relaxed than traditional concert halls.

Before the Concert

The Barbican has exhibitions, restaurants, and a conservatory. Arrive early and explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Barbican good for classical music?

Yes, its acoustics are excellent. The LSO chose it as their home for good reason.

What are choir seats like?

Unusual but fascinating. You see the orchestra from behind and the conductor's face. The sound is different—worth trying once.

Where should I sit for the best sound?

Rows G-P centre for classical. For amplified music, sound is consistent throughout.

The Bottom Line

The best seats in Barbican Hall are in the Stalls rows G-P centre for orchestral music. This zone delivers the acoustic balance the hall was designed for.

For unique experiences, choir seats offer an insider's perspective.

Avoid extreme sides for classical, and the very front rows unless attending intimate chamber performances.

The Barbican is one of London's finest concert venues. With informed seat selection, you'll experience why the LSO calls it home.