Tchaikovsky Condects Carnegie Hall's Grand Opening
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky conducted the New York Music Hall's inaugural concert on May 5, 1891, though the evening's program was actually a varied gala featuring several performers. The hall had been built by industrialist Andrew Carnegie for $7 million and was originally called simply the Music Hall. Carnegie's name was officially attached in 1893. The venue's acoustics, designed by architect William Burnet Tuthill with guidance from Tchaikovsky's friend Walter Damrosch, proved exceptional and have been celebrated by musicians ever since. Carnegie Hall became synonymous with musical excellence: "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice." The building nearly faced demolition in 1960 when the New York Philharmonic moved to Lincoln Center, but Isaac Stern led a successful campaign to save it.
May 5, 1891
135 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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