Music Hall is a great place to Catch a show. Whether it's the symphony, May Fest or the Opera...honestly this place is great. It has a some pillars that can block the view, so if you are seeing the something visual, check where your tickets are when you buy them. But if you're listening to a concert it's not as big of a deal. The acoustics in this hall are fantastic. As a singer I can say that this is a great hall to sing in. And having seen several performances here I LOVE listening in here. Hard to find a beat seat acoustically.
Review Source:Cincinnati Music Hall is a beautiful location, full of history and stories that will both tingle your musical senses and your paranormal ones! Â I've experienced some of the best live music of my life in this location, and if you can manage to get into one of the (monthly?) ghost tours that are offered, definitely do that, too!
Review Source:I hate to say it, but I was a Music Hall virgin until last year, and if you are too let me tell you what you have been missing all these years...
Music Hall is absolutely stunning. Not cliche stunning like a hotel, or a fancy restaurant but breath taking-ly shocking (is that a word?) The architecture is big and bold, yet dainty and unique down to the very last detail. Every time I walk in I feel like Cinderella at a ball.
The seating is some of the best I've seen anywhere. There is not a bad seat in the house. I've sat in the middle, on the sides, on the balcony and have never been disappointed. The stage always has some unique twist for the show, it's always small, but a nice touch.
No onto the music. My favorite show I have ever seen was one I knew nothing about, Superheros! The extent on my knowledge was small, but the life that Cincinnati Pops brings to the stage is incredible and inspiring. After the show I wanted to go home and watch every score from every major motion picture, and show they performed. And that has truly been how every performance at Cincinnati Music Hall has been. In one word: Inspiring.
Please let go of your Music Hall virginity like I did and at least walk in and see the history of the hall and all of it's beauty. If you haven't seen a performance here it is safe to say that you are not a true Cincinnatian. The performances I have seen here will be experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life. Go and see for yourself.
Breathe taking! The outside and the inside architectures was outstanding. It felt like a real music hall with a victorian feel.
Watched Alice and Wonderland ballet at the top balcony. It was scary going up the stairs, but the view did not bother me as much. Although I wish I spend a few more dollars to see it at ground level.
I recommend to go see this place if you haven't been to Cincinnati. I love this place.
Music Hall is a beautiful building.  It is home to the Symphony, Opera,  Pops, May festival, sometime the Ballet. All of these are first rate organizations.  I would highly recommend seeing any of them. I was there is last time for the Ballet's performance of Alice in Wonderland (the ballet is usually at the Arnoff). The show was spectacular.  A very  modern ballet.  The costumes were designed by the person that designed cirque du soleil Ovo show, so they were unbelievable. Â
 It is suppose to be haunted, it was built where there had been a hospital for contagious diseases and then a children's home, both where there were many deaths.  I took a ghost tour there once and many of the employees have had unusual experiences.  But the performances their are always first rate.  It is an iconic building in OTR.  Now it has been enhanced by the remodeling of Washington Park.   The new Washington Park makes a beautiful front yard for this magnificent building.
AS GOOD AS IT GETS!
Music Hall never does anything that is not extraordinary! I have season tickets to the Pops and am amazed after every show.
I once was a Super in an Opera there and have sang there previously with my high school choir.
This site is one of the TOP venues in Cincinnati. Having the recently remodelled Washington Park nearby just adds to the esteem of the place.
I also hear it is haunted and there are ghost tours available.
Definitely go here.
Music Hall is an iconic centerpiece of OTR. It a wonderful piece of architecture that houses glorious music and grand events since its completion in 1878.
I look forward to the finishing of the construction of Washington Park which is immediately across from Music Hall and the complete $157 million dollar overhaul of Music Hall. These will enhance this marvelous building and help with the revitalization of OTR.
Even with the cracks in the walls and the fading paint and the other signs of age--you have completely lost your mind if you don't love this place. The history here is palpable, in a good way. It makes you proud to be a Cincinnatian; proud to live in a place that so highly (and for so many years) has valued music and the arts.
The architecture alone makes it an experience...makes you want to dress up. In fact, when I see people in there in jeans, it makes me crazy. Have some respect, people! I love thinking of people coming there in their horse and buggy and big hats and fancy dresses, over 100 years ago, to come to a concert just like I am today.
Yes, the seating is a bit tight, but there is going to be a massive renovation next year so I feel like it's kind of pointless to discuss any of those things at this point. If you have a chance to go--take it!
Cincinnati's Music Hall is a staple for any true city-goers. The beautiful architecture, high quality productions and group of people make it a worthwhile night out. The price range is always different based on events but my family has been subscribing for 10 years and they constantly offer deals. Pro tip: try the chocolate covered potato chips from the concession at intermission!
Review Source:Music Hall is one of the crown jewels of Cincinnati. Â It is beautiful on the outside and stunning on the inside. Â It is the number 1 venue in sound quality i have ever been in. Â It is also known for something else other than music though. Â It was built on a massive grave site from the early 1800's illness outbreak that killed hundreds if not thousands. Â It is know to be one of the most haunted buildings in Cincy. Â In the fall you can go on the haunted Cincinnati tour and go look for lost souls inside the hall its self.
Review Source:Where to start? The long and short of it is that Music Hall is an amazing treasure and worth preserving for many generations to come. I have attended as well as performed many times in this place and so it's about time I review it.
Regarding concerts. Acoustically, MH is darn near perfect. There have been recent improvements costing millions of dollars, and I would think that it's worth it. Thanks to the Corbett Foundation and others. Â A list of performers here reads like a "Who's Who" of musical awesomeness. And I'm not just talking Classical musicians. Heck, Prince played here in 2000.
Having performed here with the May Festival Youth and later in the May Festival adult chorus, I can tell you that backstage, this place has more nooks and crannies than an English muffin. Â The dressing rooms have the vintage feel and look of old. The practice rooms vary in size from HUGE to standard room size. Trivia: the main Springer Auditorium can accommodate 3,516 people.
The ballroom can accommodate 1,300 people and I was here most recently for the Bacchanalian Society Winter wine event. In the past my high school had our prom here too. There is a modern sound and lighting system and it was put to good use by the DJ.
Recently the staff have embraced a younger audience (heck, they kinda have to if they want to keep filling the seats for classical performances) by increasing their social media presence and even encouraging live tweeting during performances. Granted, I am slightly old school and advise actually turning off your cell so that you can experience the music and not be like this person: <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.observer.com%2F2012%2F01%2Fmusic-director-stops-philharmonic-to-shame-cell-phone-miscreant%2F&s=6122905d0e78e302a4dcee0b5085b4229dbb329b0ca0d01af3c820bde3f8973e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.observer.com/…</a>
The staff are always friendly and helpful if you are unsure as to your seating location. I used to love seeing this one old man that would let you in via the parking garage entrance. He's the grandpa I never had. :)
Post Cincinnati Symphony performances, there is a door outside the auditorium (left side) where you can go backstage to the Green Room and meet the soloists and orchestra. I remember going back and meeting a then very young Hilary Hahn and Leila Josefowicz among others.
I could go on and on, but I'll end it by saying that even if you don't really like Classical Music, you should at least go here for some kind of performance and walk around. Soak up the elegance and history. There are tours offered by the The Society for the Preservation of Music Hall <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spmhcincinnati.org%2FMusic-Hall-Today%2FTours.php&s=73d8bbf8549057435c781c055d8890a6961c9b39d6c803d4ab52df63343c2461" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.spmhcincinnat…</a> There is also a Ghost Tour <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcincinnatiarts.org%2Findex.jsp%3FeventDetail%3D1%26event_id%3D1134&s=0a3a49d948f0626077c328e46a7d42c30562b0095a2b399d319bc90edd6614fe" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://cincinnatiarts.or…</a> I never experienced any paranormal activity, but I have spoken with a few workers there and they did have a few stories that were a little spooky.
Tips: Don't clap unless everyone and I mean everyone else is. Classical music is not always loud and even audible.
While you will see people in full tuxes, fur coats, etc, the younger generation, at least the men, Â has decided that business casual is perfectly acceptable dress. Ladies, keep dressing up because you look beautiful and its a good excuse to go shopping.
Go to the bathroom before, during intermission and any other breaks. Your bladder will thank you.
Student ticket pricing is very reasonable. I remember in the past that they offered educational season ticket pricing for faculty and staff of schools and universities.
Go there, explore it, love it.
I have been in Cincinnati for 6 weeks now and have been to Music Hall twice. Given that my preference is rock and indie music, that tells you something about Music Hall.
The first time, we got free tickets from a colleague to go and watch "Love and Mozart" and I was immediately amazed by this impressive building, and in particular the chandelier! The CSO did a really good job and it was a great first experience.
The second time we went was yesterday to see Lang Lang play. I had heard so much about this pianist, I just wanted to check it out. And I wanted to go back to the Music Hall, because it felt like one of the places I now knew I could go to in Cincinnati and have a great evening. Yesterday I paid more attention to my surroundings for this review. And really, there was nothing I could think of to give Music Hall anything less than 5 stars. The building itself is stunning, the stewards o so friendly, the movie before the show professional yet funny, the orchestra their usual high quality.
Although we actually like the Brahms piece (without Lang Lang...) more than Liszt (Lang Lang playing), it was another great evening.
I'm sure this will be one of the top places to go when we have family visiting us in the next months!
I'm here nearly every week and somehow I've never reviewed it. If you haven't been to Music Hall, you're missing out on something great. You especially need to get there soon b/c in a year or so it will close for extensive renovations and restoration. It will be interesting to compare and contrast between the old and new.
The CSO is a real treat, as are the other resident arts organizations. Definitely a treasure for the City of Cincinnati and something everyone should experience. After a show stop by the Gateway Quarter for some Taste of Belgium, Senate or A Tavola!
New Years Eve Pops Orchestra....AMAZING.
I can't wait to attend the winter concert series, this might be one of my new favorites :)
It seemed a lot less stuffy than the ballet, but maybe it's because I had a good buzz going.
Went to the box office early in the day to pick up my tickets and the 10 minute curbside parking is sooooo convenient!
We've been to Music Hall for various concerts over the years, artists as varied as Mary Chapin Carpenter, the Bobs and the Cincinnati Pops. Â It is just an amazing location.
I highly recommend getting there early and exploring. Â Check out the views from all of the levels. Â It really makes you look at different aspects of the space in a different way.
As mentioned in other reviews, it is going to be closing soon for some very needed renovations. Â The need for these are the only reason I gave it 4 stars. Â I'm sure when I go back after the renovations, it will be a 5 star plus location!
Music Hall is one of the most stunning period pieces of German architecture in Cincinnati. The grandiose building encompasses an entire city block and was erected in 1878. Prior to Music Hall, Cincinnatians listened to orchestral concerts in a building with a tin roof. During a thunderstorm, performers could be drowned out for a period of 20 minutes, thus ruining the show. Local philanthropist, Reuben Springer, donated $125,000 in matching funds to build a new facility: and Music Hall was born.
The center of the building was originally built solely for musical activities and buildings on either side were used as exhibition halls. Built specifically for May Festival in 1878, Music Hall is home to the oldest choral festival in North America. Why was singing so important in Cincinnati? It was a tradition brought by many German immigrants from the motherland. In 1849, Cincinnati's first singing society, Sängerbund, was formed. By 1867, the city had over 2000 Sängerbund groups. Inspired by such, Music Hall is said to have some of the best natural acoustics in the world.
In addition to attending events here, such as my favorite, Idina Menzel and the Pops Orchestra, I had the privilege to take a behind-the-scenes tour of Music Hall. The prop room was massive, and the "green room" for performers was very elegant and fit for a king. Most impressive was the music library, containing shelves of sheet music dating back to the late 1800s.
Of course, everyone knows the folktales of hauntings in the building. Our guide had a few first-hand experiences, with music stands moving, chandeliers crashing, and sounds of a party going on after hours in the Critics' Club. Why is Music Hall seemingly active with the paranormal? Prior to erecting the building, the land was used as a pauper's grave. Many remains were unearthed during excavation, as well as up until the 1980's when a new elevator was installed.
Whether you're a local or a tourist, Music Hall should top your list of places to visit in Cincinnati, both for the architecture and for the performances inside.
Music Hall is simply a spectacular, storied venue, inside and out.
The place has undergone many changes and transformations over the decades. Â The seating arrangements of the main Springer hall have changed, many of the windows have been filled in due to air conditioning and artificial lighting (yes the auditorium had open natural light until the 1960s). Â And it is set to undergo yet another transformation that will bring it into the 21st century, to begin next summer.
My memories from Music Hall come from grade school trips in the early 90s, and I was just awed by the atmosphere of the classical architecture throughout, a place built in a different time for a different class of people. Â The place has been altered, and the neighborhood surrounding it became undesirable, but that is changing throughout, with the transformation of Washington Park, a residential and business boom in the area, and excitement for the Pops and Symphony orchestras.
Besides the main auditorium, there were two halls built on the sides. Â The north hall once served as a sports arena, for boxing matches and basketball games - now used for studios. Â The south hall served as an arts exhibition hall, now the ballroom, which now features the Albee Theatre's Wurlizer Organ, where there are scheduled organ concerts. Â Of course, Music Hall was once Cincinnati's de facto convention center- and in the 1960s there was a plan to build a modern convention hall on the south side of the building, before they decided to build the current one (now Duke Energy Center) at 5th and Elm.
Wow! This is a beautiful venue. I was there to see the National for the Music NOW festival and it was my first time there. We had great seats (balcony section J, front row!) but, from looking around, I cannot imagine there is a bad seat on the first two floors (the third level might a little too high). It had really good acoustics as well. I checked out their website later. They seem to have a nice selection of acts/performances throughout the year but the ticket prices seem a little on the steep side. Luckily, my ticket to the National was free thanks to my friend. :)
Review Source:Music Hall is one of the greatest landmarks in Cincinnati. Until recently I haven't been since going to field trips when I was in school, but now attend a couple of CSO concerts a year. Not only is the building beautiful, you also have a world class orchestra to enjoy. Within the next couple of years Music Hall will undergo some rennovations and I can't wait to see the transformation of the Hall and the updated Washington Park across the street.
Review Source:Been here for a few Pops concerts and I am amazed by the architecture and acoustics. We are very lucky to have such a beautiful and historic music hall and professional symphony in our own backyard. If you live here and you haven't gone here yet, go. It should be a right of passage for anyone living here.
Review Source:Not only is Music hall a wonder to behold both inside and out the many performances held their are some of the best i have been to. Â Paavo Jarvi who is retiring from the Cincinnati Symphony after this year is a mater conductor in a long storied tradition of conductors. Â The other events they hold include the Cincinnati Opera and Ballet though i have not had the pleasure of going to one of these events.
This year i have season tickets to the CSO and the two concerts i have been to have been fantastic.
There is parking available in a parking garage on the Central Parkway side of the hall and before and after concerts they have extra police and security on hand to ensure that everyone is safe (though the fears of crime are over stated).
Think back to a time when people were refined and celebrated high society.
Think back to an era when everything was gilded and sparkling with gold leaf and cut crystal.
Think back to a period when culture was a benchmark for a city's prominence.
Music Hall is Cincinnati's Grand Dame and harkens back to another time when people dressed in their finest silks and velvets to take in opera, the symphony, the ballet and other cultural endeavors.
Thankfully, modern day Cincinnati is still chock full of culture vultures who eat up Music Hall with a spoon. The monstrous, red brick building on Elm features a massive, antique chandelier that is reminiscent of Phantom of the Opera.
The lofty ceilings are trimmed in beautiful molding and gilded carvings, and guests are invited to sink down in plush (but a bit narrow) velvet seats. A word to tall folks, you might want to strive to get an aisle seat, as these rows offer the audience little leg room.
If you're swinging by the bar for a cocktail during intermission and find yourself in need of cash, head upstairs to the bar/restroom area to take advantage of the PNC ATM.
And beware of the ghosts - they say this place is haunted with souls from yesteryear. In fact, it reportedly stands on a cemetery. You've been warned.
Music Hall is an incredibly beautiful hall and the perfect excuse to go formal for the evening. The surrounding neighborhood is improving but is still kind of rough so be careful parking at night. I've attended symphonies, plays, proms and college oriented activities over the years and the event coordination has always been fantastic. I followed my favorite band there for an event they were playing in one of the private party rooms a few months ago. The space was large and almost intimidating with sconces and giant window treatments. The college crowd mostly ignored the band but I got a blurry photo of conductor, Paavo Järvi and some free food. Attend the Enchanted Ball in October and find out all you could imaging about the resident ghosts.
Review Source:Very impressive place! We saw the Cincinnati Pops perform there last fall. Beautiful decor and excellent acoustics. I was surprised to learn that the building houses so many rooms besides the auditorium: a ballroom and at least two other smaller reception rooms. I guess that's why it takes up an entire block!
Review Source:My mom and I recently attended performances from the Cincinnati Symphony and the Cincinnati Pops at Music Hall.
We had never been before and were in awe of the outside of the building. Once we got inside we were really taken aback. The high ceilings and lights are amazing. This is truly a fantastic place to visit.
The entire staff was really friendly and willing to show us around.
This venue is classy, but not pretentious.
I was really impressed and will definitely be back.
Music Hall is one of the most beautiful architectural structures in the City of Cincinnati. It was built in 1878 near what used to be the main canal in Over-the-Rhine. Back in the day, the stage's audience floor was actually water and patrons could pull their boats right in to listen to the music!
Now Music Hall is home to the Cincinnati Opera, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati May Festival Chorus, and the May Festival Youth Chorus. The stage is managed by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Union Local no. 5. All year round, there is something happening here! The Cincinnati Symphony operates from Fall to Spring and the Opera takes over during the summer. The May Festival Chorus sings with the symphony during the year but then the last 2 weekends in May is a choral marathon that is the May Festival.
I grew up hanging out in Music Hall as my mother has sung in the chorus for almost 30 years. When you are bored and have access to this building, you really can learn your way around it. When I was in high school I spent four years singing with the Youth Chorus and had the privilege of being on that stage.
The lobby is the second most beautiful room next to the symphony hall. It has black and white checkered floors with marble accents and a circular balcony that is centered with a gorgeous chandelier. My parents were married on that balcony.
The local public radio station made a documentary about Music Hall and it's history a few years ago. In the documentary is a picture of my parent's wedding and an interview with my mother! You can obtain a copy through the local PBS station.
Music Hall has felt pretty empty lately, but considering it's one of the largest classical concert halls in the world, that shouldn't be so alarming. Â Besides, it lets you get better tickets - or sneak into better seats (easily done; the ushers are only vigilant at the beginning of the performance). Â And you won't be cramped.
Of course the interior space is gorgeous. Â I don't know what design style it is, but it's just right for a concert hall - elegant, spacious, refined.
It isn't exclusive to the Cincinnati Orchestra (one of the better orchestras in the world); the Opera, the Ballet, and occasional special events (like the Music Now festival recently) will perform there.
Its secret is its other rooms; my high school held (still holds?) formal dances in the Ballroom. Â Despite the preponderance of awkward memories, this was an excellent place for such a gathering - plenty of tables to sit at for avoiding dancing, wide open dance floor. Â Alas, no good dark corners for smooching away from the watchful eyes of chaperones. Â That would have to come afterward.
During my last stint in Cincy, I had the pleasure of living just a few short blocks from Music Hall, home of the city's orchestra, opera, and other arts groups. Â Music Hall, together with my old building (the Turret Lofts) and Cincinnati's City Hall were all completed around 1880, and comprise beautiful Victorian brick piles with turrets and gables galore. Â Music Hall is a gorgeous building whose immediate neighborhoods, Over-the-Rhine and Betts-Longworth, are among the oldest and poorest in the city. Â As such, many Cincinnatians have probably never laid eyes on this beautiful old dame, out of fear. Â What a shame!
My own loft featured a corner turret with huge windows from which I could see both Music Hall's gables and City Hall's in all its glory. Â When I strolled in the nearby vestpocket neighborhood, I could see the oldest house in Cincinnati, the house James Gamble lived in when he founded Procter and Gamble, a tiny, ancient synagogue turned into a home, and an even tinier Jewish cemetery--the oldest one west of the Appalachians--with their Hebrew inscribed markers. Â
Music Hall anchors a  neighborhood that was my home for a short respite, and a treasure that Cincinnati should do all in its power to lift out of its funk and restore to its real glory.
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