| If you are a classical musician, opera | | | | Hall is now called the Isaac Stern |
| singer, jazz performer, or pop group, | | | | Auditorium. Believe it or not, Carnegie |
| you may have grown up dreaming of one | | | | Hall was slated for demolition in 1960, |
| day performing at the world famous | | | | but due to the efforts of Stern, it was |
| Carnegie Hall. For over a hundred years, | | | | saved and eventually purchased by the |
| Carnegie Hall has been a status symbol | | | | City of New York for $5 million. The |
| of the highest echelons of musical taste | | | | other two halls are much smaller and |
| and appreciation. Carnegie Hall bears | | | | suitable for more intimate performances. |
| the name of Andrew Carnegie, who | | | | Zankel Hall seats 599 and the newer Weil |
| originally had it built to house the | | | | Hall seats 268. You can also visit the |
| Oratorio Society of New York and the New | | | | Rose Museum, which houses the Carnegie |
| York Symphony Society. Carnegie, who was | | | | Archives, artifacts and memorabilia of |
| famous for his philanthropy, served on | | | | the buildings history and performances. |
| the boards of both organizations. The | | | | When you reach the great hall, located |
| great hall opened its doors on May 5, | | | | at Seventh Avenue and West 57th Street, |
| 1891 and featured the famous composer | | | | you'll immediately admire its Italian |
| Peter Tchaikovsky conducting his musical | | | | Renaissance style architecture. The hall |
| works. Quite a prestigious beginning for | | | | was even designed by a musician, an |
| a music hall. Over the years, many | | | | amateur cellist named William Tuthill. |
| famous performers have appeared at | | | | Just a short walk around the corner is |
| Carnegie Hall, such as Duke Ellington, | | | | the Steinway Building, which displays |
| Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Yo-Yo Ma | | | | some beautifully crafted Steinway |
| and yes, even the Beatles! Carnegie Hall | | | | pianos, the same type of pianos that are |
| houses three concert halls and a museum. | | | | often used by Carnegie Hall performers. |
| The Main Hall seats 2,804 people and is | | | | There are over 100 performances a season |
| five levels. If you don't want to walk | | | | held at Carnegie Hall. If you have your |
| up 100+ stairs, you can always take the | | | | heart set on attending a concert there, |
| elevator. This is where all the big | | | | be aware that you'll need to buy your |
| concerts are held. The acoustics are | | | | tickets way in advance, because they |
| marvelous. The late classical violinist, | | | | tend to sell out quickly. If you are |
| Isaac Stern, once said about the | | | | lucky enough to attend an event at |
| acoustics "It takes what you do and | | | | Carnegie, you'll enjoy some of the |
| makes it larger than life." The love | | | | world's finest musical performances |
| that Isaac Stern had for Carnegie Hall | | | | while admiring its splendor. |
| is evident as you'll see that the Main | | | | |