For anyone who lives in the Upper West Side and listens to NPR, Symphony Space is easily recognizable by its bright, colorful façade.
This lesser-known film venue has plenty of options for not only locals, but students as well. It can feed the craving for a high definition film of an opera, or perhaps a striking production of Massenet’s “Thaïs”, or any inclination for an off-the-beaten-track cinema experience. Many students are altogether unfamiliar with Symphony Space, and with a collection of great new programming, now is the opportune time to orient oneself with this West Side institution and its variety of alluring cinema prospects.
In the next month, Symphony Space will offer a range of productions encompassing film, literature, and music. Notably, Thalia Film Sundays, whose namesake is the art house Thalia cinema, aims to showcase the latest masterpieces and documentaries. “Séraphine” and “Elect the Dead Symphony” are among its current offerings. Alternatively, Monteverdi’s “L’Orfeo Baroque” and Bizet’s “Carmen” are among the current choices in the “Opera in HD” series, which brings to the New York big screen recently recorded performances from renowned opera houses around the world.
Students with combined film and music interests will find something as well—classical music highlights include the American Symphony Orchestra in “Classics Declassified: Beethoven Symphonies 3-5” beginning Feb. 7 and the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra in “American Salute!” on Feb. 12. Literature in Performance will continue throughout the spring, in the form of Selected Shorts, which features short stories by established and emerging writers read by film or theater stars.
If neither Verdi nor Beethoven are enticing, Symphony Space might satisfy the urge for yellow muscat or an artisan macaroon. The Unwined Bar, a snug little boite with candlelight, couches, and chocolate fondue, is well-suited for discussion of the films playing upstairs.
Columbia students have even more incentive to utilize Symphony Space, because of the discounted tickets available. All students have access to “member-priced” (read: cheaper) tickets, as well as assorted regular student discounts. But even with the student discount, prices can be daunting. “I went, but didn’t go in,” says Gaby Graham, BC ’12, citing the $20 cover charge as exorbitant for cheap, spur-of-the-moment entertainment. While ticket prices vary depending on the event, Symphony Space is no nickelodeon.
Since the cold often keeps students from venturing downtown, now is a particularly opportune time for the short journey to 95th and Broadway. As dense coursework looms, head to Symphony Space for a showing of “Sita Sings the Blues.” Although geared toward ages three to eight, bringing a kid sibling along is not necessary. This film is both lively and beautifully animated—and a good supplement to any required reading of the “Ramayana.”
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