Founded in 1992 by Vera Wilson, Astral Artists is a Philadelphia based, nonprofit classical music organization whose mission is to discover the most promising classical musicians residing in the United States, assist their early professional career development, and present their world-class artistry to the community through concerts and outreach programs.
Astral provides a career bridge for exceptionally talented young classically trained artists who graduate from conservatories and music schools superbly trained as musicians, but who need to develop the community awareness, entrepreneurial skills, and professional relationships necessary for shaping a purposeful classical music career – at no cost to the artists.
Each year, Astral’s assistance is awarded to emerging world-class instrumentalists, small chamber ensembles, and singers chosen by an esteemed panel of judges through a rigorous national audition process. Once accepted onto Astral’s roster, artists are provided with individualized career development resources and the artistic support necessary for success on and off the traditional concert stage.
Specifically, Astral artists are given practical business advice; professional networking and introductions to established musicians, conductors, managers, presenters, and publicists; high-profile recital and solo performances in Philadelphia, New York City, and beyond; and opportunities to connect with diverse communities through Astral’s extensive outreach training program – vital resources for an artist’s early career development.
About Astral’s Artists
Astral artists represent the very best and brightest of today’s classical musicians. Astral’s roster and graduate artists are performing on the world’s most celebrated stages – at the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, Covent Garden, and many others. They are the recipients of classical music’s most prestigious honors, including Avery Fisher Career Grants, and top prizes from the Walter W. Naumburg Competition and the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, among countless others. They are on the rosters of leading artist managers, and have made important and acclaimed recordings.
A Vision for Classical Music
As both a service and a presenting organization for the nation’s most gifted, classically trained young musicians, Astral’s vision for the future of classical music looks beyond the conventional.
Today’s classical music field is evolving, and Astral helps young virtuosos prepare to take classical music into the 21st century with a new vision for community involvement, an understanding of the importance of making new and traditional music relevant to our times, and the courage to seek unique artistic collaborations. Astral believes that the future of classical music belongs to our young musicians, and that empowering their talent and ingenuity will ensure a cultural legacy for generations to come. With Astral’s help, each year our artists reach over 10,000 community members through performances in concert venues, schools, and senior citizen and adult care facilities.
We invite you to join us and take a glimpse into the future of classical music through Astral’s stellar roster of young musicians!