From Brahms, Bach, and Beethoven to Mozart, Haydn, and Schubert, every classical music lover has their favorites. Not every city has a vibrant classical music scene, but if you’re lucky enough to live in the Big Apple, you’re residing in one of the most famous classical music scenes in the world. Whether it’s concerts in New York or other ways of enjoying the great works of the masters, here is your guide to classical music in NYC:
Keep Current
NYC is a fast-paced city, so you’ll need the most up-to-date resources to find upcoming classical music concerts in New York. Start your list by bookmarking the following:
- Time Out New York: Time Out is one of NYC’s most popular sources of info on music, dining, nightlife, and culture. So of course they have a page dedicated to keeping track of upcoming classical and opera events in the city.
- NY.com: This website has a handy list of classical musical venues in New York, each linked to the venues’ own pages.
- Classictic: On Classictic, you can find out who is playing and where, and also buy concert tickets right then and there! It’s a national site, but it has a page dedicated to New York.
- Club Free Time: For the budget-minded classical music enthusiast, Club Free Time lists free and inexpensive events in NYC.
Listen to Classical Music on the Radio
There’s nothing like hearing an orchestra in person, but listening to Tchaikovsky on the radio isn’t bad either. Radio gives you the chance to hear the greatest symphonies, quartets, and sonatas at any hour of the day or night. When you don’t have time for classical concerts in New York, listen to these radio stations:
- WQXR 105.9 FM: This station plays every type of classical music, with a series of different experts hosting programs throughout the day. Their website lists their schedule and has a music playlist.
- WWFM 88.9 HD2: You’ll need a digital radio to listen to this station, but their selection of classical music and the stunning quality of digital sound make it worthwhile to get one.
Live, Classical Music Venues
Now we come to the most important part — the top places to enjoy live classical music in New York.
- Lincoln Center: How about hearing the power of classical music in the largest performing arts center on the planet? It’s also home to the New York Philharmonic, who play in the Avery Fisher Hall, as well as the site of the legendary Juilliard School.
- Metropolitan Opera: The biggest classical music organization in the US is right here in NYC, forming part of the Lincoln Center.
- Carnegie Hall: Carnegie Hall represents the height of musical accomplishment, and the best classical performers on Earth are honored to play here. It’s located at the corner of 57th Street and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan.
- Rite of Summer Music Festival: Combine the joy of the outdoors with the beauty of classical music by heading to the free concerts at the Rite of Summer. You’ll find it by taking a ferry to Governors Island and walking a few blocks to Colonels Row.
Now that you know where to go and where to tune in, you can always find classical music concerts in New York when the mood strikes. Share this list with your friends and family who are planning on visiting NYC, then join them in listening to the greatest music the world has ever known, in the city that never sleeps!
Photo by U.S. Consulate Vladivostok
Jill Cole