New York Philharmonic

This review is for the New York Philharmonic Membership Office. I thoroughly enjoy having the NY Philharmonic in my backyard and sincerely appreciate the beautiful performances they put on.
However, the NY Philharmonic Membership Office is absolutely relentless. They are the worst and most aggressive membership-​seeking people I have ever encountered in my life. I previously called them to ask that I be put on the ‘Do Not Call List.’ However, for the past few days, they have called me at all hours of the day. I reached out to the organization on Facebook, via phone, etc. with no success. As a graduate student, I simply am not in the position to support them and I really hope they understand that.
I have no idea how to get my phone number out of the grasp of the NY Philharmonic Membership Office. My recommendation is if you are to put a phone number down when purchasing tickets, do not put down your personal cell phone number.
And after picking up one or two membership phone calls, you will understand what I mean! I currently ignore all numbers coming from 212– 496– xxxx. This is just simply unprofessional and unwarranted harassment. Shame on you, NY Philharmonic!
Edited: just found online that other people have had the same issue.

Joey’s Aunt: Bellissimo! Bellissimo!

As an Angeleno, I’ve been always thinking LAPHIL is the best. But I enjoyed NYPHIL more than LAPHIL this time.
My family came here for traveling NY and my daughter reserved tickets for matinée because it was January and I didn’t drive a car unlike living in LA, where most people driving cars to attend the concerts. It was wet and drizzling outside but for New Yorkers, it didn’t matter the weather was good or not. The hall was very crowded and vibe.
I put my heavy coat in the Coat Check ($ 3 for the coat and $ 3 for the bag) beside the main hall and I felt more free to focus on music. The hall itself is vary classic and each level has some lightings to be divided and to be decorative. The seat was very comfortable, even though we sat the third level. The patrons were all ages and enjoyed music equally.
Following the hall, the toilet is also classic. I could flush the toilet by pushing the pedal by foot and there are some candies inside the washroom.
The program had three parts. Philharmonic’s chamber music: String quartet, symphony, and post-​concert Q&A. Amazing string quartet. It’s high quality music. And very adventurous. If someone does like symphony only, it should be boring. But they proudly made music and invited the patrons inside the epitome of luxury. In particular I really liked the cello. He had lots of inspiration to play the music. He is the best of my experience of chamber music in my life. He is the principal cello of the NYPHIL. Only l could hear his part while four players played the music.
The symphony was also amazing. I’ve never heard the Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No.4. That’s why I expected that this music was gonna be boring but very inspiring and deeply imagined by conductor Alan Gilbert and symphony members. After the concert they gave us time to talk (aka post-​concert Q&A), four panels explaining the concert and answering the questions. One of the panels also mentioned that she’d never played this music before. One of panels was Anthony McGill, the principal clarinetist, who played the clarinet at the Obama’ inauguration ceremony. Time flew so fast and I did coat check and came out with some feeling left.
We had chance to listen to amazing quartet, unbelievable symphony and comfortable talk. It was very memorable time of my life.

We went for New Year’s Eve concert — and were so excited! Music and orchestra were truly fantastic! But everything else…
We arrived in advance, and here our problems started. Extremely crowded hall, only one working coat check window — had to cross all the way back to where we entered, giant queue to the paid coat check (never saw this before in European concert halls) — though was told I can pay afterwards, scanners not able to read tickets on our phones — forced to run to box office to get tickets printed, and hordes of people taking their winter coats with them to their seats. We had front row balcony seats, and could barely see half the stage — so disappointing… Very strange acoustics, too. Huge queue to kiosk in the intermission — we were one of the first, and barely made it back on time… Lastly, they only accept cash at the coat check, without any warnings — and no one knows where the nearest atm is. Had to run outside without my coat in the cold, 2 hours before New Year… Superrude stuff…
But music was so great!

My first time listening to the New York Philharmonic and they did a fantastic job. We attended a Wednesday evening performance and I really loved that the conductor had a passionate and colorful personality, otherwise the lengthy show would have been a bit more dry. Though I will admit, there were parts of the performance that I did not enjoy, but that just had to do with the particular show that I chose. So make sure that the performance you go to see is one that you’re really interested in — they can be hit or miss.
You can get reasonable $ 30-​$ 40 tickets for performances. You can buy tickets at the theater box office to avoid some of the online fees.

The New York Philharmonic is without a doubt, FANTASTIC!
I bought tickets to watch Rachmaninoff and showed up about 30 min early. Make sure you show up early as it takes a little bit of time to get everyone up to the concert hall. Lines to the bathroom were long too, so get there early. If you want to get there extra early, there are bars there for you to have a drink.
They will check your bags before you go up the escalators.
I sat on the orchestra level with a good view of the stage. Sadly this dude with a huge spiky head sat in front of me, but I managed to find a small hole so I could still see the stage. The acoustics are amazing of course. During intermission, you can of course run to the bathroom or get a drink. There is definitely no shortage of alcohol here.
I can’t wait to come back to see more world-​class shows here!

I’m a Philharmonic fan-​girl. I love Avery Fisher Hall, and I’ve sat in numerous different seats and levels. The acoustics are wonderful and you «get» why you fork over money to see live music. While I’ve been to a wide-​variety of pieces, the beauty of the Philharmonic is you don’t need to know anything about the piece at all. Sit back, close your eyes, and let the music wash over you.
People, please respect the performers, and DO NOT RECORD THE SHOW. I could not believe how many people attempt to get away with this. These performers have dedicated their lives, (it is absurd how much time, money, and effort they have put in), in perfecting their art.

Alas, to hear the music, you have to get past their customer service people, who care not for their customers. Ironically, the worst of the bunch are the «customer relations» people.
Someday, when we hear about the financial collapse of the NY Philharmonic, the reason won’t be the music — it will be that people stopped being willing to accept bad customer service.

I’m not that classy. I don’t often put on a suit and rock out to some Tchaikovsky. In fact, this was the first time. But doing so did make me feel as if I was actually taking advantage of something NYC has to offer besides food and 24/​hour public transit. And that’s always good.
Of course, I’m not going to pretend that I didn’t:
1. Throw back a few glasses of wine during our pre-​Philharmonic meal.
2. Zone out a few times.
3. Pound a Johnny Black during one of the breaks.
4. Wonder if the conductor is REALLY necessary.*
5. Go down a Seinfeld rabbit hole thinking about The Maestro.
6. Contemplate fighting the folks who stole our seats because we got there late.
7. Bring a flask, just in case.
But I thoroughly enjoyed the performance. It’s incredible to see so many talented individuals moving entirely in unison (at times), and combining their collective gifts to create a singular work of art. I legitimately marveled at the sheer impossibility that I could ever be a part of such a production without screwing it up. And my heart was actually pounding at the finale (although I suppose that could’ve been the liquor).
Whether you catch them during a free concert in Central Park (or Prospect Park when they deign to cross a bridge into the better borough), or full force in Avery Fisher Hall, the New York Philharmonic is worth a look.
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*Sometimes it seems like he’s just waving, and no one is really following his lead.

I’ve recently started listening to more classical music. This drove me to want to see more classical performances. I’ll say that NY Philharmonic Is one of the best orchestras around (not that I have much to compare it to.). It’s amazing to watch some many instruments working together. I did notice however that there are no lefty violinist. Whats up with that?

Went to listen to a performance of the Swan Lake. Usually come to Lincoln Center to watch operas and was impressed by the beautiful venue. The musicians are excellent, before going to the show you can grab dinner or a drink on the different floors of the building.
Attendees are generally well dressed and respectful of concert etiquette
Bit tough to get a cab after the show, particularly in the winter but there are a few places nearby to hang out for a drink like the smith or café boloud if you’d like to kill some time instead

Attending tonight’s performance was an amazing way to spend an evening, despite the cold. People definitely dress up a bit to go, or in many cases are going straight from work wearing business professional attire (debating heels or flats? Go with the heels). There’s a restaurant that looked good inside Lincoln Center, but it was packed when I arrived about 45 minutes before the performance began.
Get there early so you have time to explore and people watch. It’s also fun to watch the musicians warming up, so give yourself a few minutes in your seat before the performance will begin. The performance began on time and was magnificent in its entirety. I kept my coat with me and I was glad that I did, it was chilly sitting still, however there is a coat check on the first floor.
Most of all prepare for a magical evening and enjoy!

I don’t know the names of the composers, what period they were popular or what the exact significance of each piece played but I like to listen to pretty things played on actual instruments so I went here a few times last year. The music, even when played with ferocity, is soothing. I did fall asleep a few times last year for the same reason I listen to classical music when I drive, it is extremely calming and it is such a departure from the music on the radio station that I consider going here a gift.

Those whole concerts in the park are not what they are cracked up to be. I heard the NY Philharmonic play on the Great Lawn of Central Park this Summer (something so New York and that I have always wanted to do) and it was really, quite frankly, a disaster.
First, you cannot hear the music. Everyone treats it like background noise as others have mentioned. Like the orchestra is so far away and small and the people are eating and talking so much that I couldn’t even tell sometimes if they were playing at all. The volume was that low. It didn’t feel like a concert in a park but just too many people sitting on blankets and munching and talking on a great big lawn while pretending they can hear something.
Second, it was way too crowded. Like a mob, really. I almost couldn’t find my date. It took so many texts, calls, and then finally meeting at a third party designated spot near a prominent yellow balloon on the sidewalk to make it happen. I noticed others were struggling with this same problem with a lot of people on their cells looking lost amidst the huge sea of people. A few of the those in the know had brought balloons or flags I noticed so their friends could find them.
Third, exiting is a real pain. Like sardines in Central Park. I almost couldn’t breathe until we hit the street. I’d never seen this much congestion before in Central Park. Like Shakespeare in the Park and SummerStage crowds were nothing compared to this.
The only real take-​away I can give is to just buy a ticket for a real indoor concert and have a picnic separately, if you must. Yes, they have a fireworks show afterwards, but it was seriously unimpressive. And it was too crowded to even be remotely romantic or even fun. I was seriously disappointed.

Maybe one of the best ways to spend your money on live music in New York in one of the best locations (Lincoln Center, so perfect!!) and in such a beautiful venue. The experience really depends on the concert itself and the conductor, and not so much your seat/​section — although there are better sections than others.
They have a subscription for patrons under 35 (myphil) where tickets are $ 32.50 if you purchase three or more for different concerts. You still have to drop $ 100, but a great option if you’re interested in multiple concerts and you can add on later. There are certain sections you can’t sit in, but other than that, you can get GREAT seats that normally cost at least double that price. The next performance I’m attending for $ 65 would cost $ 176 at face value without my subscription. They also do discount tickets with LCTIX, you just need to sign up for the email list, and students have an advantage with student rush. Lots of considerable and mostly affordable ways to afford the music here.
I’ve sat in the front of left orchestra, far back right orchestra, and left second tier, and for me, the best sound was always in the front orchestra. Center isn’t so important, but I thought the sound was not optimal in the tier. You get an amazing view of Avery Fischer Hall though and the 25% of people who take naps during the performances.
I’d be lying if I said I never closed my eyes, but again, it all depends on the concert, the intermissions (I’ve been to performances with zero intermissions) and the conductor. My favorite has been Pablo Heras-​Casado — very animated, youthful and, most importantly, fun. Someone like Vladimir Jurowski is a little too stiff for me.
New York Philharmonic, great experience for music lovers.

It was my first trip and first night in NYC and I started it off just right by catching the ‘Ravel and Gershwin’ show. The Upper west side is a beautiful area and I especially admired the arts area of Lincoln Center and the Metropolitan Opera. Conducted by Jeffrey Kahane the Philharmonic was phenomenal. Best part is the tickets are relatively inexpensive but for better seats I lucked out and found a deal online. Whether you are familiar with the compositions or not, broaden your horizon and give it a try. An open mind and ears can develop an appreciation for the beauty behind the music.

The NY Philharmonic… I love, love, LOVE them. They are always on point and every performance gives me chills. I really do like how the Philharmonic reaches out and offer tickets that are relatively inexpensive (or free) so people of all incomes can access classical music…
The only negative is their fundraiser people. Really… please take me off the lists and stop calling me at work =-|

The New York Philharmonic is quite simply the best artistic event you can treat yourself to in New York City. These talented musicians play an incredible array of music, ranging from the classical Viennese pieces of Mozart and Beethoven to the contemporary composers of Rouse. And all are exquisite!
Avery Fisher Hall is beautiful, and whether you sit right up close or far in the balcony, the sounds is incredible. You don’t have to be a music virtuoso to appreciate the talent of the New York Phil.
Finally, the tickets are SOO affordable and that’s what really makes the NY Phil so great! You can purchase «Rush tickets» for just $ 15 (for students and seniors). If you’re 35 or under, join «MY Phil» which gives you $ 32.50 tickets throughout the season, including super amazing orchestra seats.

This is my second year seeing them in a park. I saw them yesterday at Prospect Park in Brooklyn and it was really lovely. I think one of the pieces they played had been composed by Tchaikovsky.
A beautiful fireworks display, which I really appreciated because I didn’t see them in person on the Fourth of July, followed the concert.
Thanks for coming to Brooklyn, guys! It’s a great way for people in the outer boroughs to get a taste of what you offer.

I saw the Star-​Spangled Celebration this fourth of July with my elderly parents and my teenage kids. We saw it last year and it was so terrific that we got tickets again… I think it’s turning into a family tradition. It really appeals to all the generations.
The New York Philharmonic and the United States Coast Guard Band played Sousa, Copland, Bernstein, and a trombone concerto with a funny true New York story behind it by conductor Bramwell Tovey. The whole performance was energetic and fun, at times touching, and PERFECTLY executed. It was great hearing the entire «Liberty Bell» march that Monty Python made so famous with that animated foot.
Tovey has such a lovely buttery-​smooth and upbeat personality. As a Brit he entertained us with jokes about the Revolution and how Britain loves its friendship with America. The sentimental part of the show was the veterans’ tribute when the anthem of each of the armed forces was played one at a time, and the veterans stood for applause – so many proud old grandpas!