Sacred Ground
Like many of the storied performers and virtuosos who have graced its stage, Carnegie Hall has had a remarkable, dazzling, and sometimes tumultuous existence. From its not-so-humble beginnings in May 1891 — the opening-night act? Tchaikovsky — to the list of musical geniuses who have appeared on stage — Louis Armstrong, the Beatles, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Vladimir Horowitz, Luciano Pavarotti, Itzhak Perlman, Frank Sinatra, and many more — the aura and majesty of Carnegie Hall are unparalleled. (Continental is the official airline of Carnegie Hall.)
As to the drama surrounding the edifice itself, Carnegie Hall has changed hands several times (it’s now owned by the City of New York), was almost demolished in 1960 but saved at the 11th hour, fell into disrepair in the 1970s, and was rejuvenated in the ’80s and ’90s. All told, the gift from industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, which stands at the corner of 57th Street and 7th Avenue in Manhattan, is a treasure worth seeing — no matter who is on stage.
— Thomas Wailgum
When to Go
Nothing compares with the feeling you get when you’ve earned the opportunity to appear in that magnificent hall.
— Frank Sinatra
The performance season kicks off each September and runs through June. Both the Web site (carnegiehall.org) and the box office (212.247.7800) have more information about individual performances and a calendar of events. In addition, Carnegie Hall offers tours Monday through Friday, at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. (when performance schedules permit). Tickets are available at the box office on tour days.
200 performances
Carnegie Hall presents nearly 200 performances a year, including orchestral concerts, chamber and choral music, jazz, folk music, musical theater, and more.
Music Lingo
Before you go, take a trip to carnegiehall.org and check out the music terminology section — it’ll make you feel like a seasoned concertgoer. A select few, from the site:
» Concerto A piece of music that contrasts the forces of an orchestra with a soloist or a small ensemble. Most concertos are three movements in length.
» Fanfare Music primarily played by brass instruments — occasionally with percussion accompaniment — for ceremonial purposes.
» Movement A self-contained piece of music that is part of a larger work, such as a concerto or symphony.
» Symphony A large orchestral work that is usually in four movements, each with its own distinctive tempo and mood.
» Timbre Tone color, or the particular sound of an instrument. The timbre of a trumpet, for example, is bright and brassy while the timbre of a cello is mellow and warm.
Did You Know?
You — yes, you — can “play” Carnegie Hall, as they say. Of course, you’ll need a few things: an instrument to play, family and friends who actually want to see you up under the lights, time to fill out an application, and the money to rent one of the halls. A heaping amount of talent would help too (though it’s unnecessary). Call the booking office at 212.903.9710 for availability and pricing.
Don’t Forget
… your tickets and fine clothing.
Carnegie Hall does not have a formal dress code, but a spokesperson says most patrons feel comfortable in business casual attire.
3 Auditoriums make up Carnegie Hall
» 1 The Isaac Stern Auditorium/Ronald O. Perelman Family Stage, the largest of the three, comfortably seats 2,804.
» 2 The Judy and Arthur Zankel Hall, originally the Recital Hall, seats 599.
» 3 The Joan and Sanford I. Weill Recital Hall, with 268 seats, hosts chamber music performances.
