New York Classical Music Guide

Classical music is a great way to relax and let your mind wander. New York City has several incredible places to take in a performance and leave behind the day-to-day stresses that plague us all. The following entries will give you a basic idea of where to go and who to see to get you on the path less taken.

 

Avery Fisher Hall
At Lincoln Center Plaza
70 Lincoln Center Plaza, Midtown Manhattan
Customer Service: (212) 875-5350

The theater houses the New York Philharmonic, the annual Great Performers at Lincoln Center festival, the summertime Lincoln Center Festival (formerly known as "Serious Fun!") and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Recent renovations have fixed up the acoustics, a former sticking point among performers. After over 35 years of operation, Avery Fisher Hall has finally gained its status as one of the best places in New York to observe classical music.

Visually, Avery Fisher features three tiers (plus a sloping orchestra level) of comfortable, excellent sight-lines, and wood-and-glass baffles above the stage--part of the acoustical renovations. The hall seats 2,738. There are also small shopping kiosks at both street and orchestral level selling various items like T-shirts, coffee mugs, and Philharmonic recordings.

Alice Tully Hall
Lincoln Center 
Broadway at 65^th St.
(212) 875-5050

Near Avery Fisher Hall, the Alice Tully Hall is a marvel of acoustics. Here, you can witness the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center which features students from the Julliard School. Choral music, famous soloists, and concert groups also feature prominently into the mix. This is an ideal place to go, if only to marvel at the acoustics. Highly recommended.

Town Hall
123 West 43^rd St, between 6^th Avenue and Broadway
(212) 840-2824

Town Hall is a historical landmark that now boasts numerous music series, implementing folk, classical, choral, and other types. Most acts are imported, as the hall is primarily a rented-out venue. Some, on the other hand, are presented by the hall, including the "Not Just Jazz" series. Since producers are shelling out big bucks to obtain the hall, the performances are usually excellent, and is definitely a noteworthy stop on any classical music lover’s tour.