(Le) Poisson Rouge (often referred to as LPR) is a music venue and multimedia artcabaret in New York City founded in 2008 by Justin Kantor and David Handler on the former site of the Village Gate[2] at 158 Bleecker Street. The performance space was designed and engineered by John Storyk/WSDG. It has become known for its focus on artistry, bringing contemporary classical music into the club setting, and offering a variety of set ups so that a seated classical performance can be followed by a standing set by a rock band or a DJ.[3] Responding to a performance of Olivier Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time featuring pianist Bruce Brubaker at LPR, The Wall Street Journal reported: "The crowd – many of whom wouldn't even have known who Messiaen was – sat in rapt silence, and roared their approval at the end."[4][5]
Kantor and Handler, both graduates of Manhattan School of Music, founded LPR[6] with the stated desire of creating a venue that would foster the fusion of "popular and art cultures" in music, film, theater, dance, and fine art.[7]
The venue is home to a myriad variety of genres focusing on classical, new music, avant garde music, indie rock, and jazz, but also playing host to readings, comedy, film, DJs, parties, theater, and burlesque.[1]
