Irene Eng
Google
Will NOT return - the silly security feels like a harassment.
The Bass Performance Hall opened in 1998, with 2,000+ capacity. Initially, it was suggested by the pianist Van Cliburn, and one of the Basses; ultimately built with private equities - I suspect much of it or part of it were from the Bass brothers, because when I commented of the two ceilings, a docent said the difference was due to two Bass brothers who built it.
Although the foyer is compact, the major hall is very pleasant, well kept, feels new (not many layers of paints…), with clean line, so are the bathrooms.
It’s interesting to see so many posters on
the walls are Most Mozart and Met Opera - both are New York institutions.
I went to two Van Cliburn competitions in 2025, which is one of the permanent events here.
The security IS unbelievable! A swamp of black clothed guards stationed at the entrances, who are fleecing patrons, from handbags to pockets (I was asked to take out my iPhone fm my leggings’ pocket), and water bottle - they demand it to be threw out. By then I was at my limit. So I told them “no way”. You don’t ask me to throw my handbag away, do you? So the guard asks
her colleague or supervisor who has no clue, other than I can’t bring my water bottle in. I told them I brought one IN this afternoon. So they called a woman in regulars cloth, perhaps a manager who, make the silly story short, offered a bottle of water in THEIR bottle. I accepted it only because there are people waiting to get in.
Brooke Astor (1902-2007), the scion of NY high society, noted about her need to bring a bottle of water - really for the good of the concerts.
Some guards even have handheld scanners, like in an airport. There are still at least three guards mingling around AFTER the concert, as we’re leaving.
I can’t help but asking “why??” I mean, who do you think you are? New York? You’re NOT, bec NY doesn’t do this kind of crap. One of them replied “… oh we want to ensure the contestants are well protected.”
Front entrances?
Hello, they ARE not famous yet, for Petes sake. They’re NO ONE. Let Olga Kern, who was 2001’s winner, walks on the street, see how many people will stop her: I just googled past winners who had made it. AI replies “… include Yunchan Lim (2022), Vadym Kholodenko (2013), Jon Nakamatsu (1997), Olga Kern (2001), and Nobuyuki Tsujii (2009).”
I love classical music and go to concerts all the time but I only knew the name of Kern, and would NOT recognize her on the street.
A very unique experience.
