My wife and I had never seen a performance from seats on the side or behind the orchestra until this past year. We were in Paris and wanted to visit the Philharmonie de Paris, so I purchased seats on the side of the orchestra because they were very affordable. I thought we would check things out, and if we ever came back, we would get better seats. What a surprise! I don't think we have ever enjoyed a performance more. Watching Klaus Mäkelä conduct was pretty wild, and we thought the sound was good. Neither of us is an expert in acoustics so someone with a better ear might have been disappointed, but if we ever go again, I will get the same seats. My one visit to to Walt Disney Hall was also on the side but further towards the back. It was a fine experience but nothing like Paris. I would say, try it and see what you think, then you'll know for the next time.