Carnegie Hall

This is where George Takei gave his commencement speech.
This is where 800 of the finest students in the country gathered to receive their diplomas.
This is where Stuyvesant High School’s Class of 2016 graduated from.
My first impression walking into the halls of Andrew Carnegie was with a gaping mouth. I said «Holy Shit» and those two words were incredibly accurate to how I was feeling. Families, friends, faculty, and administrators were invited to bear witness to the first step into world outside of Stuy.
This robber baron helped us graduate with style, and for that, I commend his actions.

Be forewarned if you are bringing a large group; they call you beforehand and stress they will not take a group more than five minutes before, then you’ll get a call before the tour implying that you’re late. Upon arrival, I was told to sub-​divide the group-​this takes a while with the politics of separating friends and family. Why not then advise us to come ten or fifteen minutes beforehand? The moody guide rolled her eyes at me and told me it was on some paperwork. It may well have been, but why didn’t the woman who took the time to confirm, mention that? Final analysis: those working within the guided tour department must be conducting their meetings on the main stage-​the acoustics are clearly carrying any sense out of the space.

It’s been my fantasy to make it to Carnegie Hall as a musician when I was a little girl, but since boys took over my musical interest during puberty, I can only be a spectator sitting on the sidelines. Before the performances, you can pile into a small room and drink, mingle, and snag a seat if you are lucky to find one.
I had to sit in the balcony when I first started going, which is kind of scary because we are all clinging to the side of the steep balcony with little space to move. You’ll need to be relatively fit to climb all the stairs — and no photos during performances. We’ve since scored season tickets for the front row. (Much better).
This is an iconic place and one that’s close to my heart, they also accept donations for those who are inclined to do so.

A NYC legacy of music that must never die or else the future will be lost. Many famous classical musicians but sometimes modern scores are played.

No other performance venue can compare to Carnegie Hall in terms of acoustics and elegant design. I’ve been here countless times and always marvel that it’s not a tourist destination like the Fenice in Venice. Last night I was in the upper level and could hear unamplified voices clearly. Before the lights went down I marveled at the warm glow that enveloped you. If you’re visiting New York, plan on catching a performance at Carnegie Hall.
Too bad the intersection outside is so congested and full of tourist-​centric stores and eateries. I’d advise avoiding nearby bars and restaurants if you come here. They are overpriced any frequented by New Yorkers. The hall itself is an oasis of sophistication, architecturally and in its offerings. I can’t imagine New York without Carnegie Hall.

It’s Carnegie Hall! Elegant, prestigious… fantastic! Saw the New York Pops celebrate Lea Miz and Miss Saigon along with outstanding youth who performed exquisitely. Groups such as Camp Broadway were icing on this amazing performance.
The acoustics are exquisite and I tested it by trying to listening to the xylophonist or lower range vocals. Amazing! Amazing! Amazing!!!

Came to a graduation here and while it is a nice space I thought it would be a bit more grand than it was. Not as big as I imagined, which is actually great if you’re here to listen to a musical performance. I love that they have troughs of Ricola cough drops in the lobby of each floor to keep the audience from coughing. Even funnier watching people literally take handfuls (plural) on their way OUT of the venue.

A great venue.
I’ve been going to Carnegie Hall for years, and have witnessed concerts of very different music, from Portuguese fado to Afghani folk songs to classical. The sound has always been impeccable.
Sure, seats are pricy, but you can be guaranteed a show with no sorts of interruptions, because those who don’t behave decently get kicked out (I’ve seen it twice, with individuals who wouldn’t shut up).
Go and have a good time.

Show of orchestra, beautiful but way too long. It was around 49 $. Seats were comfortable. But not for me anymore

Beautiful and legendary. Place is built for classical music, so amplified sound is a bit off in the back of the room.

What an institution! The sound is great in this hall. I came to listen to Yo Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax perform the Beethoven Cello Sonatas. There is a lot of history here and the greatest artists come through here.
Now, why not 5 stars? A couple issues with the space. If you’re sitting on the sides of the balcony level, you really cannot see the stage well. In fact, you may not be able to see anything based on the shape of the hall, which is a shame. Another issue is the accessibility. When it’s concert time, millions of people pile into this hall and try to make their way upstairs. There is limited access to the elevator, so the line is literally out the door. The stairs are to the sides, but those are very very crowded too. During intermission, there is a small stand for snacks and coffee, but the lines are so long by the time you get through it, it’s time to get seated again. Too bad!

This is beautiful! My friend and I were super excited to go to a show here. It was beautiful inside and out. Though I was really happy to have an aisle seat so that I could stretch my legs a little bit. After sitting in the same seat for a few hours with no intermission I was getting a little crampy. It’s amazing how many peoppe can sit in this place comfortably and really for the most part it was quite comfortable the whole time.
Sometimes the acoustics weren’t be best. Or maybe Kathy Griffith just mumbled. But sometimes it was hard to hear her. A few times I had to ask my friend what she said.
Do try to get there early in case of traffic. But I’m happy with the price too. Had pretty good seats on the main level without breaking the bank. Nice job.

There is a reason why this is one of the 10 most famous music venues in the world – the acoustics are stunning; the setting is beautiful and every famous musician, singer or even comedian in the last century has played here

It’s f**king Carnegie Hall. Nothing more needs to be said. Just go and experience it. If you don’t like classical music, they have other offerings. If you just think you don’t like classical music, go give some a listen. The sound is spectacular, the surroundings are awe inspiring. Close your eyes and get lost in the music.

Went to the lead belly show last night. The show was 4 hours of great talent. From buddy guy, Edgar winters, Eric burdon (from the animals). It just kept rockin. We were in the boxes in the center and great views. The have free riccola cough drops before you go to your seats. Sound and acoustics are the best.

Carnegie Hall is one of the most important concert halls worldwide. This is also among the most impressive buildings in New York, combining architectural ingenuity and application of principles of physics: thus, the main Hall is shaped like horse-​hoof, making the vibrations resonate arrogantly through the walls!
I had the opportunity of listening to Mozart, Beethoven and Richard Strauss performed by St. Luke’s Orchestra. The experience of being in Carnegie Hall is my fondest memory of vacationing in New York.
I would warmly recommend going to this Hall to anyone travelling to New York, but I must also warn you that tickets can be expensive. I paid about $ 50 for a seat located in the upper balcony! Nevertheless, it is a worthwhile experience.

As a born and bred New Yorker, I’d heard of Carnegie Hall but always assumed it was a stuffy place of older, more affluent crowds (i.e. rich). Tonight I was proven wrong. Carnegie Hall is gorgeous, the auditorium is masterfully crafted to make your acoustic experience the stuff of dream and, most importantly, it is accessible. What do I mean? You won’t break the bank to see passionate performers share their craft with the world. For me, watching the performers play and interact on that grand stage was just as enjoyable as letting the music carry my imagination. Tickets are available for $ 20+ and the caliber of musicians will blow your mind. If you doubt, if you think I’m joking, remember, it’s called classical music for a reason. Timeless. Beautiful. I’ll be back CH. Thank you for a wonderful evening, and for reinventing yourself to a formerly jaded local!

I have visited Carnegie Hall for a number of different performances. What I am most impressed by is that I don’t believe there to be a bad seat in the house. I’ve sat in the orchestra and different levels of the rings, all the way to the top. Each time I had a clear view of the stage and had very decent exposure to the acoustics.
What I am least impressed by is that the hall is in dire need of an update. The seats are designed for a much smaller patron. To be clear, I’m not speaking to width but height. If you are over 5’10, prepare your knees. Also, if you are traveling to the top ring, it’s quite the hike and the elevator won’t be much help unless you arrive 30+ minutes before you plan to take your seat.

A NYC and USA landmark.
See a show here!
Just for the experience alone!
If you can afford better seats get them. This is an amazingly huge venue.
However, the balcony is all that bad.
It’s perfect for chorus or orchestra performances.
Arrive early as the Subway can tend to be congested and show do start on time.

Another NY experience to check off the list! My family and I went to the Holiday Classics piano performance by Katya Grineva. We were up in the center balcony but still had a great view of the stage and the sound quality was amazing! The performance was beautifully done with a mix of holiday songs and classical pieces. And of course, Carnegie Hall itself is a work of art. Not too pricey and a great event for all ages and types of people. Nice place to take people from out of town!

I hadn’t been here in over a decade so I had forgotten many of the luxurious details. I really enjoyed the red theme and the plain white walls and finishings. It’s simple and elegant, during the concert you can hear a pin drop that would echo all the way to a top floor. Going here is an experience.

Love… When the level of generosity, artistry, precision, freedom, fun and playfulness stuns you and sends tingles throughout your being… you might be witnessing the exquisiteness of Hibla Gerzmava’s incredible soprano. I had no idea what each piece was about but I could understand the passion, emotion and «beingness»…Thank you A.J. Hughes for joining me on this adventure…

The Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall is a great place to find reasonably-​priced live classical music. The calendar has competition winners, music academies, youth orchestras, etc. No recognizable names, but that’s okay with me if I can afford to hear music I enjoy competently played. There are many weekday evening performances, great for after work. Some events list the full program or just the composers, but some have no program information at all. They seem to be heavy on the Romantic period, which suits me fine.
Seating may be assigned or general, and the ticket prices I’ve seen range between $ 20 and $ 60 commensurate with the performer’s proficiency. I saw teenage piano competition winner Eric Lu playing Chopin, Schubert and Bach for $ 28 in the balcony (orchestra was $ 38). Lu is tremendously inspired and talented and I thoroughly enjoyed his show, which encourages me to see other young performers at the Weill. Upcoming shows of interest: a student piano recital of Chopin, Brahms, Beethoven, Debussy for $ 20 – 25, a music academy playing Vivaldi for $ 25, an award-​winning pianist playing Chopin and Rachmaninoff for $ 40.
The Weill Hall is on the 4^th floor (elevator available), and the balcony is a one-​flight walkup from there. The room is smallish, elegant and beautiful, with an intimate feel. From the first row of the balcony I saw and heard very well. Space is tight but ventilation is good, even a little cool. Business-​casual dress is appropriate. Having your cell phone screen illuminated for any reason is frowned-​upon. See more reviews specifically for the Weill Hall here:

As a Bostonian, it is in my blood to constantly compare Boston with New York (only if Boston is better in said aspect, of course).
Having frequented Symphony Hall many times as a kid, I was prepared to go to Carnegie Hall and be underwhelmed. However, and maybe it’s because I’m getting older and more appreciative of things like this, I found myself having a great time here.
My friend and I came here last week for New World Symphony and Anne-​Sophie Muller at their Stern Auditorium. Our seats were toward the front of the hall, facing directly center. We were also lucky enough for the two seats in front of us to be vacant, giving us an unobstructed view of the orchestra.
Due to the sleek, smooth interior, the acoustics of the hall were amazing. Soft and loud tones were projected evenly along the walls, ringing with crisp cleanness and clarity. The elliptical shape also allowed sound to reverberate from front to back, lending additional richness and warmth to each and every note.
And honestly, the prices here are extremely affordable. Depending on the event, tickets can be had for anywhere from $ 20 – 50. That’s not counting all of their special discounts, offers, and promotional giveaways.
The only reason I’m knocking a star off is that Carnegie Hall has no resident orchestra. In a huge city like NY where change is all around us, it would have been nice to offer some semblance of having an identity.

Beautiful venue.
You can get pretty cheap tickets from discount sites for different performances throughout the year. Some people really dress up for the night but most people just come dressed rather casually.
I have been here multiple times and each time it did not disappoint! I cannot decide which section has the best view, though. I liked viewing from the balcony level but I also enjoyed the view from the orchestra level. I think most seats are great!
One note: the staff here are extremely picky on NOT using your cellphone during the performance. There will be a staring contest if you pick up your phone again to take a photo or update your Facebook status during the performance. Put your phone away and enjoy the performance!

My grandparents back in the day saw Liza Minnelli at Carnegie Hall. I remember pouring over the playbook and saying, Someday I’ll go to Carnegie Hall and see a great show there as well.
This is my first time here after all those years, what a theater! Such an elegant venue, I couldn’t help but notice all of the seats had plush velvet. And the ceilings! Very ornate with the detailed carvings. Here’s my issue, were the people 120 years ago on average 5 foot tall?! My friggin’ knees were squished, I couldn’t get comfortable.
Bars? Carnegie Hall has a coffee bar, wine bar and mixed drinks bar.
And you wanna talk about classy? My booth had *FREE* Ricola candies! I was eating these Herb throat things all night. I felt like I could scream in Carnegie Hall; REEEE COLAAAA
(I also stuffed my pockets with a few more candies ;))
I did notice the patrons. I know your seeing a musical guest, do you have to go out to a NYC cultural event with sneakers and a tee shirt that has words on it? I saw a few people dressed like slobs, SMDH.
If your able to see a show at Carnegie Hall, get ready for a great experience. Its a piece of NYC history

I had an amazing time here, for the Music of Karl Jenkin’s a month and a half ago! I randomly won tickets to attend the performance, so I didn’t really have any special expectations but came with my girlfriend to find that we were ushered to a private balcony box! This was a very cool situation, not to mention that a man in the box next to ours, informed us that we had some of the best seats in the house for acoustics and the composer himself was just two boxes over.
The music itself was great as well. Oh, I should also mention, the balcony boxes each come with a separate little room with closets to hang your cots in. I will definitely come again: D

It’s Carnegie Hall. If you do t understand the cultural context then shut off your phone/​computer, go to a library and read a book
:-p
We’re here to see Bjork and it’s mid-​day. So, so strange but seems on par for the artist.

We came here for the Christmas Eve performance.
It’s Carnegie hall — the sound is amazing, the performers are amazing, and the layout makes it so that almost every seat in the house is a good one.
We were on the main floor to the side, about 15 rows from the front, but I think some of the side seats on the upper levels might be another spot for me to try next time.
Hint — some companies have corporate discounts where if you book more than 7 days in advance you can get 50% off.
They also have veterans discounts as well!
Not everyone was dressed up fancy. Many people were in work outfits, or in «smart casual.»
For some reason I thought Carnegie hall or the people attending would have a much more pretentious attitude, but it was super down to earth and accessible. I now want to go back and listen to more great music!

Truly lovely venue with incredible acoustics. If you’re a fan of classical music, then I urge you to attend a concert at this famed New York concert hall. I’ve attended two here — Lang Lang last year and the Philadelphia Orchestra this past Friday, and had a wonderful time at both (I’m not even a huge classical music fan!). Unlike Broadway, ballet, or opera shows, you DO NOT need to have great orchestra seats to enjoy the show since the acoustics carry all the way to the top and there’s less of a visual element here. Architecture and décor are beautiful as well, you would never guess that this venue dates back to the 19^th century!

Carnegie Hall is one of the most prestigious concert venues in the world. It was built in 1891 by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
I had the privilege to see the performances by Kazakhstan’s Astana and Almaty in the symphony orchestra section by main hall (Isaac Stern auditorium) on two different occasions. The hall had multi– level seatings that included two levels of box seats (also known as loge). The entire hall can accommodate up to 2,800 people. Despite its large size, the acoustic sound was simply amazing.
This historic landmark’s architectural design is timeless and elegant. I am indeed fortunate to have been able to experience a setting that many famous artists have performed before and during my time. I hope that it may continue to showcase world class performances for future generations to enjoy.

I managed to snag comp tickets to see Sphinx Virtuosi & Catalyst Quartet. What I actually had was an opportunity to see the only Black and Latino string quartet in the world, so I am a crappy minority since I had no idea who they were before I attended the show.
I have never heard an 18 person string quartet playing the works of only American composers, much less living composers. The first two pieces were easily over 20 minutes and as a result of only string instruments the songs sounded soft and clean but not monotonous (I have fallen asleep (a lot) at the Philharmonic for that reason). The 17-​year-​old soloist who followed the first half of the quarter’s pieces actually broke at least four of her violin bow strings as she wailed on the damn thing for 15 minutes.
When the second half commenced the first song was actually introduced as a song meant to represent gospel music of the South. It sounds completely insane but the song did sound like what I assume the rural parts of the South would look like. All the musicians were wonderfully skilled and the 75 minute passed far too quickly. Next time they are in town, I am definitely seeing Sphinx Virtuosi & Co. again.