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Miller Theatre at Columbia University
You might not guess to look at the place, but this no-frills concert hall on the Columbia University campus has long been the city’s most important, influential hotbed for contemporary music of all stylistic inclinations, not to mention a fertile proving ground for New York’s most important new-music ensembles. 2960 Broadway at 116th St (212-854-7799)

Le) Poisson Rouge
Though it opened only in summer 2007, this fashionable nightspot (in the former home of legendary jazz club the Village Gate) has already made an indelible impact on the local music scene with its defiantly borderless approach, in which singer-songwriters regularly share bills with classical pianists and so on. New discoveries are virtually guaranteed. 158 Bleecker St at Thompson St (212-796-0741)

Issue Project Room at the Old American Can Factory
Along with avant-rockers and electroacoustic improvisers, contemporary-classical performers and composers regularly present their latest developments at this Brooklyn experimental depot. 232 3rd St at Third Ave, Gowanus, Brooklyn (718-330-0313)

Roulette
This venerable new-music series, now located in a clean, comfortable Soho space, is best known for presenting downtown improvisers. But contemporary-classical performers are also at home here, especially in Thomas Buckner’s invaluable Interpretations series. 20 Greene St between Canal and Grand Sts (212-219-8242)

Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Symphony Space
New music is only one small part of what this admittedly spartan movie hall presents, but regular performances by the Prism Quartet, Concert Artists Guild and other important presenters make this a space worth keeping on your radar. 2537 Broadway at 95th St (212-864-5400)

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