GetClassical In School

Our artists feel that such inspirational encounters with youngsters, can stir curiosity and passion like nothing else....the class is invited then, to come to that artist's concert in town. Beyond sharing musician's great talent through its writing, GetClassical is always engaged in gaining new appreciation for classical music. Our classical concerts in alternative scenes, aim to tie classical mus

ic with the comfort zone of the city’s leisure venues. Inspired by the German initiative Rhapsody in School,
GetClassical broadens its scope and initiates a similar platform in the New York Metropolitan Area, bringing motivated professional performers into schools. Our charismatic musicians feel compelled to convey the positive message of classical music and spark youngsters’ passion with personal encounters in the classroom. GetClassical builds a liaison between artists who will share their talent, expertise and enthusiasm through informal encounters and participating schools that want to spark their students’ interest and broaden their horizon. We build on collaborations with concert series in the city, to build on the momentum of that initial overture in school, the students are invited to attend a formal concert performance of their artist; geared to heighten the experience and leave a lasting impression, despite the lack of music education in schools and appreciation for classical culture. We are honored to have been invited to collaborate with Frank Salomon’s People’ Symphony Concert series, who invites kids, visited in school by ( some of our mutual performing artists) to the concert. Aspect Chamber Music series is very excited about the ‘GetClassical In School’ initiative: The mission of GetClassical is important to us - bringing great performers to the classroom will help foster children’s interest in music; inviting students to the concerts of performers they have met personally may forge a special connection and inspire children’s love for classical music. We are enthusiastic to work on developing opportunities for collaboration with GetClassical in the fall. Irina Knaster, Founder and Artistic Director of ASPECT Chamber Music Series

"Eurasia Festival is happy to announce its active collaboration with Ilona Oltuski's wonderful initiative GetClassical In School. Our mutual passion for the success of this important mission is a perfect common denominator and compliments our positive relationship, among colleagues in the music field. We look forward to a fruitful exchange of artists and creative ideas to enhance love for classical music and international understanding." Eurasia Festival is a project of Kyrgyz American Foundation, which was established to preserve the rich multicultural heritage of the Eurasian region and to introduce it to the general public of the United States. The ultimate aim of the Foundation and its Festival is to promote international understanding and goodwill by means of cultural exchange. As it takes a village...we are so happy about new collaborations with wonderful friends from the music industry, who do their part in support of the initiative. "ARTS-NY, a publication established to highlight the noteworthy art, music, and theater performances in and around New York City, is delighted to collaborate with Ilona Oltuski's initiative GetClassical In School in its noble mission of bringing a gift of classical music to school students. It is exciting to be part of the wonderful initiative that is destined to make a lifelong impact on kids’ lives." Tatyana Polyak, founder and director of ARTS-NY

We are honored to welcome Gerard Schwarz to GetClassical In School's Artistic Advisory Board! "Dear Ilona, I wish you great success with your new project GetClassical In School and I am very happy to be included as an artistic advisor." Artistic and Music Director, Palm Beach Symphony
Distinguished Professor Of Music,The Frost School Of Music
Music Director, All-Star Orchestra
Music Director, Eastern Music Festival
Conductor Laureate, Seattle Symphony
NEWS: We are honored to welcome Pierre Van Der Westhuizen to GetClassical In School's Artistic Advisory Board.

“We are delighted that Pierre will be leading The Gilmore,” said Cynthia Kole, President of The Gilmore’s Board of Trustees. “His passion for music, his warm personality and his creative vision will propel The Gilmore Festival and Awards into the next exciting phase.”
And we are delighted that he takes an interest in our initiative GetClassical In School! NEWS: GetClassical In School Pedagogical Advisory welcomes the iconic Gary Graffman on Board. He says: "
"It is my pleasure to endorse Ilona Oltuski's important initiative GetClassical In School. During my many years as an educator of young talent, I have seen firsthand how terrific it is to inspire youth to build a lifetime with music. With best wishes for continued success for you and GetClassical In School." Former Director of the Curtis Institute of Music. Pedagogical Advisory Board for GetClassical In School. As a composer and manager at Naxos of America, I applaud Ilona Oltuski and her efforts to bring classical music to the genre’s future audience. Music education is central to what we do each and every day, and many arts organizations pay only a glancing acknowledgement of its importance. New York may boast a lot of wonderful things, but age-appropriate learning modules for the enjoyment of classical music – how it works, who are its practitioners – are largely missing from all but the largest cultural institutions. And those who might benefit the most from it are those in the greatest need, especially as New York becomes less affordable for so many. To paraphrase Stravinsky, children shouldn’t be taught to respect music; they should be taught to love it. Sean Hickey, Composer, Senior Vice-President, Naxos of America, Inc.








‎"The Foundation for the Revival of Classical Culture welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with Ilona Oltuski's initiative GetClassical In School, as we share that mission of bringing Classical music and Classical Culture to youth, especially to those who, through no fault of their own, do not have the means to access this beautiful treasure trove

that belongs to all mankind. We look forward to the opportunity of working with Ilona to bringing more Classical musicians to schools through classroom and concert presentations, so that many more young people can share in the joy of Classical music!"


As the founder of Rhapsody in School in Germany, I salute Ilona Oltuski’s efforts to build a similar platform, akin to our motivation, in the New York Metropolitan Area. Our charismatic performers feel compelled to convey the positive message of classical music and spark youngsters’ passion, with personal encounters in the classroom. As the founder and curator of GetClassical, Ilona Oltuski shares our vision, aiming to connect the performer with the young generation. I sincerely welcome Ilona’s initiative and hope to personally partake in some of her planned events in support of this goal, in New York. Lars Vogt, pianist, conductor and founder of Rhapsody in School in Germany.

“During my several years of participating with Rhapsody in School in Germany, I had the most meaningful encounters with young students, who were curious to learn – and hear – about my art. It’s not that young people are disinterested in classical music, it’s that someone has to inspire that initial spark, and that’s what these encounters are geared to do. Like many other musicians, I am committed to our positive role in society and believe that our engagement should not be limited to the concert performances alone but stimulate interest wherever possible. Of course, we musicians are busy all the time, but it’s so important and satisfying to reach out to the next generation – and often the kids I visited in the morning where present at the evening’s concert. Congratulations Ilona, for initiating an artist network to visit schools in New York now, with GetClassical In School. Sign me up please!”
Avi Avital, Mandolinist,


I salute Ilona’s initiative to introduce GetClassical In School, bringing classical music into the classroom. Sparking enthusiasm through personal encounters with charismatic performers will serve the next generation, bringing the joy of music into their lives. Evgeny Kissin, Pianist


I welcome Ilona’s initiative GetClassical In School and will be happy to partake when in New York. Amit Peled, Cellist, Educator

I am very happy to join Ilona’s ideas and efforts. We still have a chance not to become the last generation which cherishes classic art. First of all, art is a great, powerful resource of pleasure, which remains always with you. Even more important is that it stays with you all life once you start enjoying it. And the best is that you can enjoy it any possible way – making it or just watching or listening it. I wish these plans of Ilona to live long and to have great success! Pavel Nersessian, Pianist, Educator

It gives me a great pleasure to support GetClassical in School. More than ever the world needs programs dedicated to development of arts and music in schools. Arts education process is universally recognized as one of the most valuable to children of all ages. I wish Ilona and GetClassical much success in this new and important endeavor. Philippe Quint, Violinist



“For me, being an artist has always been, above all, about communication. Ilona’s initiative to introduce GetClassical In School is a fantastic way to bring artists exactly where they ought to be; directly in the classroom exchanging ideas with future generations. I look forward to participating in GetClassical In School whenever possible!”
Alisa Weilerstein, Cellist


TO SEE MORE OF THE TALENTED ARTISTS IN SUPPORT OF GETCLASSICAL IN SCHOOL PLEASE VISIT OUR CONSTANTLY UPDATED https://www.getclassical.org/all-artists/ AND SEE MORE ON OUR WEBSITE HTTP.WWW.GETCLASSICAL.ORG