“Ilona is a true music lover… a musical warrior working in the trenches to create new avenues for fan and artist to come together. Ilona has earned respect and admiration for her work in the New York music scene to create a new kind of intimate artist/fan concert experience. We share a common vision with Ilona in her desire to bring artists and fans closer. We salute Ilona Oltuski… a true piano lover dedicated to making a difference; Bravo!”
Richard WatermanReal Piano Music.com
“…music has long been trickling out of traditional concert halls and into cooler, more contemporary watering holes. Hosted by the music blog GetClassical, this concert series hits a sweet spot in the art-filled Rose Bar {and other newly initiated concert venues] with a feel that’s downtown Manhattan by way of 19th century Paris salon…its variety show atmosphere is known to draw audience members to the stage. And quite a variety show it can lead to, given that {some of} the last installment’s couches were filled with musicians ranging from arty Juilliard students to Carnegie darling Evgeny Kissin.”
Harper’s BazaarHot List, June 2013
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With a surge in concert offerings in the city that never sleeps, convoyed by less media coverage, audiences’ informed choices of which artist to follow and what performance to attend, are limited. GetClassical Recommends on Facebook seeks to fill that gap and help to spread the word and access (with discounted tickets) in support of new talent and concert series’ programs that are geared to live up to high expectations.
What is GetClassical all about?
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During the 9th century BCE, when King Jehoshaphat of …
Pianist Benjamin Hochman—“Music is Music”
At 39, Israeli-American pianist Benjamin Hochman is in a good place. The deeply engaging pianist has gained a reputation for excellence, establishing himself on a short list of favorite acts on the New York classical concert scene—a notably tricky space to conquer…Read More
GetClassical Salon at St.John's In The Village's Revelation Gallery : Ekstasis on GetClassical
Welcome to the concert series : GetClassical Salon at St. John’s In The Village. With this years presentation: Ekstasis: The experience of standing outside of oneself, a curated program by pianist Eliran Avni and Natasha Farny…Read More
Get Classical in School
Many students are not exposed to the great classical music that is part of our heritage.
We believe passionately in this music and want to share our love of it with the next generation.
We bring charismatic, professional instrumentalists and singers, who are accomplished musicians and communicative educators to your school.
Through sharing our wonderful music, we teach collaboration, cultural history, and a taste of foreign languages, addressing the inherent elements of performing: mutual respect, self-confidence and emotional expressiveness.
We make classical music both educational and fun.
Ilona Oltuski/GetClassical and the initiative GetCassical In School is a sponsored artist with The Performance Zone Inc (dba The Field), a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization serving the performing arts community.
Contributions to The Field earmarked for Ilona Oltuski / Get Classical are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information about The Field, or for our national charities registration, contact: The Field, 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 906 New York, NY 10038, phone: 212-691-6969.
SHOUT OUTS FOR GETCLASSICAL IN SCHOOL
"We in the Emerson String Quartet applaud the mission of GetClassical In School to bring great music to both public and private schools throughout the New York metropolitan area. Classical music has a well-proven beneficial effect on young people's intellectual, emotional and social development. In an era when arts education in public schools has undergone frequent budget cuts, and when the classical arts have a hard time competing with the massive commercial reach of popular culture, it's more important than...
“Never before has it been more important to our society to reinstate music and art back into our primary educational system. GetClassical In School fills the void that our government has failed to offer our next generation. Music is as essential as the air we breathe: It is what makes us human.”
GetClassical In School is a wonderful idea, I like the initiative very much. Its a special experience to bring live music and performers to the kids into the classroom. The energy can make for a powerful impact and inspire kids to love classical music and to find out more about it. Congratulations.
The life and engaging exposure to classical music inspires, enriches, increases focus and ultimately even increases learning ability , get us all classical , congrats and go for it Ilona!
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.
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...
“Music, more than any other art form, has the capacity to endow all of us, and especially young people, with the ability to transcend any challenges of present circumstance to conceive of – and ultimately attain – the brightest, happiest, most beautiful future of our dreams. I am honored to take part in GetClassical In School’s vital mission to foster inspiration that can broaden children’s horizons and propel them to achieve their full potential.” Yours with excitement, Jonathan DePeri
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.
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.
"I wholeheartedly support GetClassical In School's efforts as critical in our national drive to inspire the next generation of music lovers and enthusiasts. Childhood is an age of exploration and wonder, and I can't think of a better way to develop a child's curiosity than a hands-on approach such as this. Bravo, and I look forward to seeing this wonderful initiative develop!"
What is GetClassical all about?
ARTISTS’ SHOUT OUTS
Ilona Oltuski has devoted herself tirelessly to broadening the audience for classical music by presenting exciting concerts in intimate, innovative New York venues. Her GetClassical series has featured established sought-after artists as well as emerging new talents. A prolific writer, she has spotlighted both prominent artists as well as anticipated stars of tomorrow in interesting interviews on her blog. llona's impeccable taste, comprehensive knowledge of music and strong contacts within the industry, has ensured success in her many endeavors. She...
Among the best writers and interviewers proudly stands Ilona Oltuski and her GetClassical blog. She quickly gets to the point of an interview with her musical background and inquisitive mind. At the same time she offers a special and unique angle to any article she writes. Being interviewed by her is always a comfortable and inspiring process.
It has been a pleasure to be interviewed by Ilona Oltuski in New York. She is well-informed, curious and intelligent. She cares deeply about the state of music in our society and also about the fate of young musicians.
My manager and I loved your article and thought it was one of the best we have ever read. It's on my website now.
I had such a great time chatting with Ilona over dinner in Berlin. She is one of the warmest and funniest journalists I have ever had the pleasure of working with, without losing focus on the things that matter. Her articles are informative, entertaining and at the same time founded on a deep understanding of classical music and it's business. I wish "GetClassical" all the very best!
I had an engaging, wide-ranging conversation with Ilona that touched on many important and interesting topics, often overlooked in interview. Her perceptive questions are informed by her unique insight, knowledge and understanding. All of this came across beautifully written, in the wonderful, interesting profile she wrote. A big Thank You to GetClassical!
A big thanks to Ilona and Get Classical for the wonderful in-depth article about our work! This included our new work: Breath & Hammer II- The Ties that Bind Us for the Pierre Boulez Saal in Berlin, as well as coverage of the From Shtetl to Stage concert at Carnegie Hall as part of the Migrations Series. It is rare today to see a writer who will delve so deeply into a story and look at multiple levels of connection-...
"It was such a pleasure talking to Ilona and having an interview that was as exhaustive and intelligent as it was readable and entertainingly written. Music journalism is becoming a rare art and it's nice to know it is in good hands."
