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