Who needs Carnegie Hall when you can play 57th Street-7th Avenue on the N/Q/R?
Emily Hopkins, 19, hauled her massive harp to Midtown yesterday to fulfil her dreams of underground stardom — one of dozens of performers auditioning for a coveted spot as an official city subway performer.
The petite Hunter College student with her oversized instrument wowed the judges with renditions of the Beatles classic “Yesterday” and “Lolita, the Dancer” by Marcel Tournier.
“She certainly knows her instrument,” said judge David Spelman.
If chosen, Hopkins said her dream spot would be playing at the bustling Times Square subway station — which serves 200,000 passengers a day — near the 42nd Street Shuttle.
“I love walking past and hearing musicians there,” she said.
She even has a plan for lugging her harp underground.
“I’ll get elevators,” she said. “It won’t be a problem.”
About 70 performers auditioned for 20 spots on the MTA’s official roster of transit talent, called Music Under New York. Winners will be decided after Memorial Day.
Winners get to reserve the choice spots in the subway — where they can rake in the most tips — and can hang large banners emblazoned with their name.
Aspiring subway acts included ukulele players, singer-songwriters, pianists, plenty of percussionists — even an all-female wind quintet.
“We want to get into this to bring classical music to everyone passing through [the subway] and show them how cool classical music can be,” said Elyssa Plotkin, one-fifth of the Washington Square Winds.
Technically, anyone is entitled to perform on the subway system, provided they follow the MTA’s rules on conduct and noise.
But the Music Under New York program gives musicians an official number and scheduled performance times.
Gospel singer Petula Beckles — whose album was released last year — said she wants to sing in the subways to reach a new audience.
“It’s about sharing the love you have inside,” she said. “It’s a passion thing. It’s not about getting a million dollars.”
Sandra Bloodworth — head of the MTA’s Arts for Transit Program and a judge in this year’s competition — said they are looking for talent that reflects the city.
“I don’t want all rock ’n’ roll,” she said.
“You also need classical, jazz, and that unique performer who no one else performs like.”