More than 100 years ago, Tchaikovsky himself presided over the opening performance of Carnegie Hall, just one of a legion of great musicians who have graced this famous stage. Today, you’ll sometimes see such stars as Anne Sophie-Mutter, Elvis Costello, The Berliner Philharmoniker, and more—all drawn by the unsurpassed acoustics and the honor of playing this magnificent hall (you can tour it from October through the end of June in the daytime; info on the web). Unfortunately, the hall is as often rented out by school groups, so it’s no longer a guarantee that there will be a great concert going on when you’re in town. Ticket prices ricochet up and down, depending on the day of the week, the act and, of course, the theater area in which you choose to sit.