Lincoln Center — A Classic Night Out

An empty Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center. Picture borrowed from https://www.lincolncenter.org

When I was younger, I seized every opportunity to sing from high school choruses and musicals to impromptu car concerts. Though I continued a bit in college, my singing eventually took a backseat to life and career. I hadn’t really thought about choral music much until I received an email offering discount tickets to see maestro Jefferson Johnson lead the Masterwork Festival Chorus, soloists, and New York City Chamber Orchestra members in an abridged performance of Carl Orff’s magnum opus, Carmina Burana at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall.

You Know Carmina Burana (Even If You Don't)

If you don’t recognize Carmina Burana by name, trust me, you've heard it. The powerful opening song "O Fortuna" is all over movies, TV shows, and commercials, adding intensity to cataclysmic moments. It’s one of those pieces that you recognize instantly, and it’s pretty much the only classical piece I can name.

Gin Martinis and Great Music

Excited for a night out, my wife and I dressed up (a rare occurrence for me) and headed to the Upper West Side. She wore a sparkling black gown and I put on a jacket. We started our evening with some pre-show martinis at an Italian spot across the street.

Our seats, which we snagged for a mere $7 (plus some fees) thanks to the discount, were just a few rows from the stage. Originally priced at $85 each, these orchestra seats were an absolute steal. The evening began with a performance by a talented group of young adult singers, followed by the main event. With over 100 voices on stage, the voices enveloped us, creating an unforgettable sound.

While the performance wasn't much to watch (just a bunch of people dressed in black standing there holding sheet music in folders), the acoustics of Alice Tully Hall ensured that every seat in the house offered a rich auditory experience. So, if you're considering attending but can’t find a great deal on orchestra seats, don’t let that stop you. Even seats towards the back will allow you to fully enjoy the powerful music.

A Little Something Different

This night at Lincoln Center was a welcomed detour from our usual adventures. If we had to pay full face value for the tickets, we would have chosen to spend our money on a Broadway show or a nice dinner (though I would have paid more than the $7 I got them for). But at a discount or in cheaper seats, it’s a perfect way to indulge in some culture and feel a bit fancy without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a classical music aficionado or simply looking for something new to do in NYC, a performance like this offers a sophisticated night (and a bit of nostalgia for me, taking me back to my high school singing days).

Verdict: Go

Address: 1941 Broadway (on 65th St. between Broadway and Amsterdam), New York, NY 10023

Website: https://www.lincolncenter.org/venue/alice-tully-hall