May 29, 2025

Bach Vespers New York

Candlelit Bach

"A concert was held within the aura of candle light—each congregant holding one—which, combined with the many candelabra, created a calming atmosphere."

Liturgical music can be heard in many New York City places of worship, ranging from Wall Street (where the sounds of period instruments can be heard at Trinity Church) to Harlem, where heirloom tambourines hiss and rattle in the Abyssinian Baptist Church.

Near the middle lies the Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity (1902) on Central Park West at 65th Street (across the street from Central Park) where, on selected Sundays at 5pm—from October to May—a series of Bach Vespers is presented.

Recently it was a nine voice choir (including four soloists) and a chamber orchestra consisting a bass viol, cello, viola, two violins and a continuum (organ) in a program including a Prelude, a Motet and Cantata BWV 153.

This free concert was held within the aura of candle light—each congregant holding one—which, combined with the church’s many massive candelabra, created a calming, contemplative atmosphere in the comfortably full nave and to whom Vicar Ivan Kaveloff convincingly wove his sermon into a cunning 'revelation' of Bach's musical intricacies.

To top it all off, there is an overhead Tiffany Studios stained glass window depicting The Second Coming of Christ.

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

3 W 65th St New York, NY 10023

US$

free

2128776815

Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in New York

Stand Up NY

UWS Comedy Club

Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,

019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 10, 2025

NYC Pride March

The Greatest Show on Earth!

This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 10, 2025

Fall Foliage

Central Park

A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

American Folk Art Museum

Free recitals

The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Sisters

Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem

"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Patisserie des Ambassades

Senegalese/French café

"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Loeb Boathouse

Central Park

"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

1166 Sixth Avenue

Lichenstein & Otterness

In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 4, 2025

Subway Nostalgia

Vintage subway train excursions

The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 2, 2025

Teranga

Senegalese food at the Africa Center

"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 2, 2025

Grand Bazaar

Flea market UWS

"Grand Bazaar" NYC is the city's largest outdoor market, also with an indoor section. Here you can find absolutely everything and for bargain prices!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 2, 2025

S&P Lunch

1928 Lunch Counter

S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 1, 2025

Heading to New York?

304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

304 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves New York

Get to know our other Spotters from New York

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
63
Filters