Wigmore Hall, a small gem of a concert hall famous for its outstanding chamber music program and marvelous acoustics, is tucked away on a side street just off of the busy Oxford Street shopping district and easily accessible by tube (Bond Street or Oxford Street stations) or bus (Oxford Street line). There's something on almost every night of the week, and tickets are reasonably priced, usually ranging from 10 to 20 pounds. Enter the lovely marble foyer of the hall on any given day to check at the box office and see what's playing. If you enjoy classical music, chances are that you'll find something to your liking.

Wigmore offers a near ideal setting for chamber music and solo performances, with acoustics that are justifiably famous. The hall itself dates from 1901 and is decorated in lavish "Arts and Crafts" style murals symbolizing the spirituality of music. Having such pleasing surroundings enhances the performance, and the elaborate cupola over the stage provides a delightful focal point for musical reveries. The hall resonates with an indefinable sense of history that seems to saturate the very walls. Musical luminaries such as Prokofiev, Hindemith, Segovia, Britten, Poulenc, and Schwartzkopf have all performed here. To this day Wigmore Hall features the London débuts for many up-and-coming artists.

Not only is the hall attractive and soundworthy, but the audience that frequents it is urbane and knowledgeable. The last time I went to Wigmore Hall, I struck up a conversation with the distinguished-looking gentleman sitting next to me, who turned out to be a violinist with the London Symphony. He gave me his "short list" of the best acoustics in concert halls around the world (his favorite was in Japan, which surprised me).

Wigmore Hall also features a small cafe downstairs, the perfect spot for a quick bite before the concert. Each time I go to London, I check to see what's on at Wigmore Hall. So far I've been to three concerts there, and all have been delightful. The London Times once referred to Wigmore Hall as "the jewel in London's musical crown," and it's easy to see (or rather, hear) why after attending a concert there.