Many thought Olga Bloom peculiar, if not deranged, when she transformed a 40-year-old barge into a chamber music concert hall. More than 20 years later, Bargemusic is an internationally renowned recital room boasting more than 100 first-rate chamber music performances a year. Visiting musicians love the chance to play in such an intimate setting, so the roster regularly includes highly respected international musicians as well as local stars like violinist Cynthia Phelps.

There are three shows per week, on Thursday and Friday evenings at 7:30pm and Sunday afternoon at 4pm. The musicians perform on a small stage in a cherry-paneled, fireplace-lit room accommodating 130. The barge may creak a bit and an occasional boat may speed by, but the music rivals what you'll find in almost any other New York concert hall -- and the panoramic view through the glass wall behind the stage can't be beat. Neither can the price: Tickets are just $35 ($20 students), or $40 for performances by larger ensembles. Reserve well in advance.