Merkin Concert Hall

This 450-seat hall, part of the Kaufman Center, which also runs a public arts school and public school for musically gifted kids, is one of the city’s more intimate venues for classical music. Following a light-and-airy $17 million renovation designed by local-favorite architect Robert AM Stern, this space (built in 1978) hosts a remarkable array of performances – mainly classical but with some avant-garde jazz and world music tossed in. Notable series include Tuesday matinees, which highlights up-and-coming classical solo artists; the New York Guitar Festival; and Family Matinees, which presents mini-musicals geared toward kids.