Attending a concert at Carnegie Hall is more than just a show—it’s stepping into over a century of musical history. Whether you’re a classical aficionado or simply craving an unforgettable live performance, the venue delivers brilliance in sound and style. Just plan ahead for seating location and arrive with anticipation for something truly special.
The tour was amazing. I saw three concert venues and was able to sit down with our tour guide and talk about each and the people who had sang there. I loved it.
Attending Evgeny Kissin’s solo performance at Carnegie Hall, was an absolutely unforgettable experience. From the moment I entered the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, I knew I was about to witness something truly special.
The venue itself is breathtaking—gilded architecture, soaring ceilings, and historic elegance that radiates from every corner. The acoustics are simply unmatched. Each note from the piano felt alive, resonating throughout the hall with remarkable clarity and warmth. Kissin’s performance was extraordinary, and the venue elevated it even further—every delicate pianissimo and thunderous crescendo was perfectly preserved and deeply moving.
I was seated in the Blavatnik Family First Tier, and I can’t say enough about the view and sound from this section. The tier seating offered an intimate and elevated perspective, close enough to see the expressions on stage, yet high enough to fully absorb the beauty of the hall and the music. It felt like the ideal place to experience a solo recital—both visually and acoustically.
The staff were organized and professional, guiding everyone efficiently, and the atmosphere was refined yet warm. There was a sense of reverence in the room, as if everyone knew they were witnessing something that transcended an ordinary concert.
Carnegie Hall is not just a venue—it’s an experience, and if you’re lucky enough to sit in the Blavatnik Tier for a world-class pianist like Kissin, you’ll remember it for a lifetime. I left in awe, grateful, and already looking forward to the next performance.
We were there for the Symphony From Indonesia ( 唐崇榮指揮印尼交響樂團）We were worrying about parking, but Sunday afternoon is very easy. We park only a block away. And have plenty of time for sightseeing and early dinner. Entering and exiting with a full house of audience at the same time was much easier than I anticipated. Beautiful hall and friendly staffs. We had a great time, before, during, and after. Traffic was congested on the way to the Holland Tunnel. But we enjoyed observing the crowds along the way, in this city that never sleeps.
My date and I had a wonderful experience as the New England Symphony Orchestra performed with an international choir which included my son. A magical event in a historic venue.
The staff was friendly and on it. They quickly got people in and directed them to their seating. There was more than enough storage on hand to give extra help to those in need as well. There was even a seating issue with someone else having sat in my seat in one of the boxes and the attendant was courteous and handled it very nicely and swiftly. I could hear the singing and see the chorus on the stage perfectly.
I had the pleasure of attending the Orchestra of the Teatro Real concert at Carnegie Hall last week, and it was truly a remarkable experience.
The performance featured the extraordinary violin soloist María Dueñas, whose interpretation was both technically brilliant and emotionally captivating. Soprano Saioa Hernández also delivered a breathtaking solo, filling the hall with rich, resonant beauty.
The orchestra performed with remarkable unity and musical sensitivity. Every section was in perfect harmony, showcasing the ensemble’s depth and refinement.
And of course, Carnegie Hall itself lived up to its legendary status. The acoustics were pristine, the atmosphere elegant, and the evening as a whole was unforgettable. A world-class venue for a world-class performance.
Highly recommend seeing the Teatro Real orchestra live if you ever get the chance!
Beautiful historic theater with early 20th century interiors and music artifacts. Check out Benny Goodman's clarinet and other artifacts near the gift shop.
An incredible building - I attended the Lullaby Concert but also visited the collection of artefacts and posters which charts the history of the hall through concerts and events dating back to the late 1800’s. Welcoming staff and excellent visitor facilities
I got to see Samara Joy on April 30th! I was in the far back and I have to say, the audio is okay at best. However, The seats suck. they are super uncomfortable and there is 0 leg room. Prepare to train your knees. I almost got sad seeing older people attempt to sit comfortably in the seats. Beautiful venue though.
4 Stars – A Surreal Night at Carnegie Hall with Air Supply
Attending the Air Supply 50th Anniversary concert at Carnegie Hall was nothing short of surreal. As an ‘80s baby, I grew up listening to their timeless songs—thanks to my dad, whose love for Air Supply deeply influenced my own. So to see them live, performing on such an iconic stage, felt like a full-circle moment. I knew every song, sang along with joy, and even found myself dancing to the beat with my aunt and her wonderful group of friends. It was emotional, magical, and unforgettable.
Carnegie Hall itself is a spectacular, historic venue—absolutely breathtaking in architecture and ambiance. You can feel the weight of music history the moment you walk in. Chanel, one of the staff members, deserves special recognition for her warmth and professionalism. She went above and beyond when we encountered a ticketing issue. Although we purchased our tickets directly from the Carnegie Hall website, we were told at the entrance that our tickets had already been scanned and were supposedly from StubHub. It was confusing, but Chanel quickly coordinated with the manager and resolved the issue, allowing us to fully enjoy the night.
That said, there are some areas that need improvement. The sound system was disappointing. The speakers were far too loud and unbalanced—booming in a way that muddled the vocals and instruments. It took away from what could’ve been a flawless musical experience. The musical director and sound team should really revisit the audio quality, including the microphones and speaker setup, to match the caliber of such a prestigious venue. Also, the restrooms were noticeably unclean, which was surprising for a venue of this stature.
Still, despite the hiccups, nothing could take away the magic of witnessing Air Supply—now in their mid-70s and still performing with heart and passion—all the way from Australia. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I’ll treasure forever. Carnegie Hall remains a must-visit destination for music lovers, and with a few refinements, it can continue to live up to its legendary name.
I was able to take pictures before the concert started but not after. We weren't allowed to video the concert. This is disappointing because my niece was singing on stage (16 years old) and her parents couldn't make the concert.
Beautiful and historic musical space. I came to the somos unidos show for grupo niche and it was incredible. They have bar areas in the back and the theater is stunning and well maintained. Sound is pretty great wherever you sit.
I was satisfied with the way the performer's piano sound was conveyed well. Today, pianist Im Yoon-chan's Bach performance was perfect and full of emotion. It was a truly happy time.
30 years working in rhe Big Apple - and I'd never been here. The artists I went there for I'm passionate about. But, this is a review of the venue. Super friendly, helpful and efficient staff - from the security folks to the elevator operator and everyone in between. Well run operation in an amazing venue with great sound and lighting.
This has been my first attendance to listen to a classical performance at this famous concert hall. The auditorium and sound stage are named after two separate sponsors. That's part of its history. The important part is, how did the music sound? In short, distant, muted and lacking vibrancy. Oh dear... Let's just say that we've come a long way in our understanding of how sound behaves in the years since its construction. The seat was right in the middle on the main floor at the level of the stage (row N). I did move my seat towards the back on the same main floor to determine if the sound improved. Sadly, no. Perhaps a balcony seat will be better?
Attended a high school choir concert at Carnegie Hall at 8PM and the experience was nothing short of beautiful. There was no wait to enter, and the staff’s hospitality was exceptional from start to finish. The choir performed a moving selection of songs, including “Joyful Joyful” and “It Is Well”—each piece evoking gratitude, joy, and reflection. The atmosphere was reverent yet vibrant, a perfect setting to appreciate the power of music and youth talent. A truly memorable evening that left my heart full. Thank you, Carnegie Hall, for the experience.
Always wanted to come here. Was happy to attend the EYL Power event with Robert F. Smith. I learned a lot and enjoyed the beautiful space. Hope to visit again soon!
Really enjoyed our guided tour of Carnegie Hall led by volunteer Art in Feb 2025. Great way to experience the building and find out a little bit about its unique history.
The tours are not easy to book as the slots are not announced until the week before they are due to take place - which is a bit of an inconvenience if you are coming a long way to visit NYC and trying to plan an itinerary. But we were lucky and it all worked out eventually.
We attended a concert the night before our tour (in the smaller Weill Hall) and the box office & front of house staff were attentive and very friendly as well.
What an extraordinary night at Carnegie Hall! Attending Yundi Li's solo piano recital felt like witnessing poetry materialize through the keys. Even seated in the balcony (often acoustic gamble territory at historic venues), every crystalline note of Chopin's Nocturnes and Liszt's technical fireworks landed with perfect clarity – a testament both to Carnegie's legendary acoustics and Li's masterful dynamic control.
The real magic lay in those signature moments when Li would lean into the Steinway, hands floating between feather-light caresses and thunderous passion, his signature black-tie silhouette cutting through the golden stage lights. While Carnegie's steep balcony seating might test those with vertigo, the eagle's-eye view offered a fascinating perspective on his fingerwork artistry.
A 5-star auditory experience that proves true musical connection transcends seating charts – though next time I'll arrive earlier to snag orchestra seats just to watch his facial expressions during those heart-stopping cadenzas!
Great venue to experience a concert. I went to two shows and both times were amazing. Staff is friendly and nice to talk to. The merchandise sales are very organized and handled professionally. Entering and exiting was also a smooth process.
Carnegie Hall, one of New York City’s most iconic and significant cultural landmarks, stands as a living legacy in the world of music. Renowned for its unparalleled acoustics and historic ambiance, this prestigious venue offers an experience that transcends the ordinary. From the moment you step inside, the sense of history and greatness is palpable, creating an atmosphere that honors over a century of musical brilliance.
Every performance at Carnegie Hall feels like a transformative journey, captivating the mind and spirit with its world-class artistry and intimate yet grand setting. For music lovers, a visit to Carnegie Hall is not just a recommendation but a rite of passage—a must-see destination that continues to inspire audiences and performers alike. Whether you are attending your first concert or your fiftieth, the magic of this extraordinary venue never fails to leave an indelible impression.
We took the tour here on a Saturday morning in mid-November. We purchased tickets a head of time online and I would recommend doing that. We arrived 15 minutes before our tour time and did wait about 10 minutes to enter the building and pick up tickets at will call. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and was a good story teller - I don’t remember his name unfortunately. There were maybe 20 people on the tour and multiple tours occurring at the same time but in different areas of the theater. The venue is immaculate. We did not see a performance, just did the tour. This was an exceptional experience. I hope to someday come back for a show.
What a great tour! Mimi, was awesome, and she did a wonderful job of giving us fun, valuable information, and keeping the tour moving, without rushing us in any way. The tour was special, not just because of the history, but the fact that we were allowed to touch and sit in history. Obviously, this is still a running venue for the arts, so that makes sense, but so many tours don't allow us as tourists to be up close with everything to see and touch. I highly recommend the tour, but one word of advice, don't worry about getting tickets in advance if Monday-Thursday, because you pay a service fee online. If you want to be safe, I understand, but I recommend saving the $3/ticket and getting them at the ticket office.
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