Mahler 8th symphony, Gewandhaus Dresden, 2023, second row. The choirs were up in the stalls behind the stage, and for the finale there were some brass players off to the sides and behind me.
I do agree in general but I think you confused the location.
Not true for all genres. Before the classical period, a lot of compositions required ´multi-channel´ performances, particularly Baroque and Renaissance sacred music.
Heinrich Schütz (1585-1672) arranged singers or choirs around the audience on several compositions. This has been well researched. He wanted to increase the impact of his compositions.