Classical Music and Opera

Classical music thrives in New York City [1], especially at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts [2] (between 62nd and 65th Sts., and between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves., 212/546-2656, www.lincolncenter.org [3]). The center presents an astonishing 3,000 performances a year.

On its north side is the 2,700-seat Avery Fisher Hall, home to the New York Philharmonic (Sept.–May), the Great Performers Series (Oct.–May), and the Mostly Mozart Festival (July–Aug.).

Just north of Avery Fisher, above 66th Street, is the 1,096-seat Alice Tully Hall, where the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center performs.

A dozen or so blocks from Lincoln Center is Manhattan [4]’s other major classical-music venue, Carnegie Hall (Seventh Ave. and 57th St., 212/247-7800, www.carnegiehall.org [5]). Saved from demolition by Isaac Stern and others in the early 1960s, this legendary hall was once home to the New York Philharmonic and remains a favorite spot among musicians of all persuasions.

On the west side of Lincoln Center is the grand Metropolitan Opera House (212/362-6000, www.metoperafamily.org [6]), home of the Metropolitan Opera Company. A good seat here costs over $100, but under-$20 seats and standing-room tickets are often available in the upper balcony (bring binoculars).