Katya Grineva Wraps ’25 On A High Note

It’s music to everyone’s ears whenever acclaimed pianist Katya Grineva returns to Carnegie Hall, where she made her debut in 1998.

This time, it’s on Dec. 26, for her highly anticipated concert, “A Classical Holiday.”

The one-night-only event celebrates the virtuoso’s 23rd appearance at the Hall’s Stern Auditorium—more performances than by any other female artist.

In what has become a seasonal tradition for local New York City families and tourists alike, Grineva’s festive concert is a highlight of the holiday season, this year especially for more than 300 children from Harlem and the Bronx who will attend the concert as her special guests.

The heartfelt invitation is extended via the artist’s nonprofit organization, Katya Concerts for Kids, as part of her unwavering commitment to share the beauty of classical music with underserved youth. This inspiring initiative offers these young audiences not only the gift of world-class music but also the opportunity to dream bigger, experience the arts firsthand, and feel seen and valued within one of the world’s most prestigious concert halls.

The Moscow-born performer will showcase works from her holiday album, A Classical Holiday, and highlight new arrangements of Christmas classics, including The Nutcracker, “My Favorite Things,” and more. This year’s program also includes the mystical “O choruscans lux stellarum” by Von Bingen, Gershwin’s “Embraceable You,” and the rarely played Liszt “Legendes.” There’s also a new original piece called “Holiday Dream,” a medley of holiday standards.

The renowned musician and philanthropist sat down with Straus Media to fill us in on her holiday concert, her relationship with NYC’s iconic venue, and why it’s important to introduce classical music to new generations.

This year marks almost two dozen performances at Carnegie Hall. What does this milestone mean to you, and can you speak to your relationship with the venue?

I can’t believe it myself. It’s been so many years now. When you grow up and hear about Carnegie Hall, to every musician it’s the highest place you can perform, the highest achievement. So, to be able to play there that many years, I feel very grateful and humbled. The fact that I can come back and put on this amazing performance every year, it’s very rewarding and makes me so happy. Every year it evolves into a bigger and bigger concert.

I started the charity a year ago, so now I can bring even more kids to the concert and make it like a bigger event.

Your “A Classical Holiday” concert has become a seasonal tradition. What inspired you to create it?

Originally, I always gave concerts in the spring, because a lot of my pieces are very romantic. Then my mom passed away, and I could not play that spring. There were a lot of dates in December. My mother’s birthday is December 24, and I thought, if I give the concert then, it will help me feel better.

The first time I played in December, it was very successful, and it became a tradition. It’s the time when people often feel let down, and going to a Carnegie Hall concert is very uplifting.

You’re inviting children from Harlem and the Bronx as your special guests. What sparked your commitment to bringing classical music to underserved youth?

It’s always been very natural to me to connect with children. I traveled all over the world and played for kids in Kenya, Ecuador, and now for kids here. I had a friend who was a principal who invited me to play a concert, then they would ask me questions. It just evolved to [playing for kids in] the Bronx and Harlem. [The kids] were so enthusiastic and appreciative. It’s so rewarding for me to see kids go to the most magnificent concert hall and enjoy it.

I know they’ll remember it for the rest of their lives because when I was growing up in Russia, my parents always took me to concerts. I always remember it. I want to give this opportunity to children and families.

What do you hope the young audience members will take away from the experience?

I hope [the children] will be inspired, and also I want to give them hope; beauty brings hope.

The arts are so important. A lot of [the children] might have talent, and they could say, “Wow, I can do it one day.” If they’re not a musician, still music creates so much power. Power and creativity, and love; it opens your heart.

What’s next for you in 2026?

I’m excited because right after Carnegie Hall, I’m traveling to Mumbai, India, to play at the Royal Opera House. I’m talking to them about filling up the balconies with children. I’m also talking to somebody about a concert tour in Mexico, also going to beautiful theaters, and bringing kids.

The holiday performance is Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, 8 p.m. Tickets are $56 and up. Students receive 50 percent off with student I.D. Purchases can be made at carnegiehall.org, CarnegieCharge 212.247.7800, and Carnegie Hall Box Office at 57th Street and Seventh Avenue.

Lorraine Duffy Merkl is the author of the novel “The Last Single Woman in New York City.”