I love the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; I do. I love their home venue of Heinz Hall.
However, I was disappointed with the setup on stage this last visit for the performance of the music for the Oscars. Maybe I just didn't notice before or maybe I hadn't felt it was as critical before but the stage setup was awful.
On stage were both the orchestra and multiple rows of choir members. Now, mind you they got the setup right for the choir -- they were elevated and tiered such that you could see each individual member of the choir. The orchestra, however? They were all flat-lined level with one another and stacked several rows deep. I imagine sitting in cheaper balcony seats would be the better option. We were sitting in the center of the orchestra section and had a grand view of the stage, that is to say we had a grand view of the conductor, the first row of violins and the entire choir.
Maybe that would have been ok except there were many times the integral instrument being played and the focus of our attention was on some other instrument besides the front row violinists. I could see part of a flute when the flutist had a major role; I could see part of the piano when the pianist was playing. No amount of straining could elevate me to a position of seeing who and what was being played.
The sound was wonderful; the conductor super; the venue awesome; the staff polite, courteous, and helpful. But, I cannot help feeling I might as well listened to the performance on the radio; being there in person did nothing to enhance the experience without being able to see the performers perform.
Will I go again? Yes. But if I experience the same setup, probably not after that.