Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Music Center

Profile

A part of the Upper West Side's Kaufman Center, Merkin Concert Hall offers an eclectic mix of both classical and experimental music. Opened in 1978, the 449-seat venue hosts approximately 225 events each year, around 50 of which are produced in-house. Because of its proximity to Lincoln Center, the hall steers clear of a standard classical repertoire in favor of more inventive sounds like jazz or Celtic. That being said, the hall does welcome innovative classical groups like Concertante and An Die Musik and takes advantage of a relationship with its more-established neighbor to present New York Philharmonic Ensembles several times each year. The acoustics are surprisingly good considering the space was initially constructed as a grade school auditorium: Wooden panels on the ceiling and walls are angled to reflect sound towards the audience. The intimate size of the room—more than 75 percent of its seats are on the orchestra level—makes for a sound that is as clear as the sightlines are direct—even in the back rows of the small balcony. — Joe DeLessio

New Sounds Live, presented in association with WNYC radio and hosted by the station's John Schaefer, introduces emerging artists with myriad musical backgrounds.

Special Offerings
Matinees with kid-centric content. The New York Philharmonic's interactive Very Young People’s Concerts are designed especially for children 3- to 5-years-olds.