George Olvik: Championing the Digital Age of Classical Music
In 1999, George Olvik, together with a group of friends, decided to embark on a new journey and founded eClassical. At the time, George had just left Naxos, where he had enjoyed an exciting and rewarding time working alongside a talented team that he still considers friends to this day. But the pull to create something of his own—something that could reshape how classical music was distributed and enjoyed—was too strong to resist. And so, eClassical was born.
The company started small, but with a big vision: to make classical music accessible to anyone who wanted to truly own their music, not just stream it. George believed, and still believes, that music lovers want their favorite works in the highest possible quality, without being tied to internet connections or streaming subscriptions. eClassical specializes in offering high-resolution downloads in formats like FLAC and MP3, all at reasonable prices.
From 2011 to 2023, eClassical was owned by BIS Records, a world-renowned label known for its dedication to quality and artistry. During this time, eClassical continued to grow while staying true to its original mission: to give listeners a platform where they could build personal libraries of music that they could treasure forever.
In 2023, eClassical once again became independent, with George at the helm. The company has always operated with a smart, steady approach—investing wisely, growing at a sustainable pace, and keeping customers and technology at the heart of its operations. Working closely with a skilled tech team and listening to customer feedback, eClassical has built one of the best online shops for classical music given the resources available.
While many companies in the music industry have embraced streaming as their primary focus, eClassical stands firm in its belief that owning your music files is still important. Streaming might be convenient, but true ownership offers something deeper: uninterrupted access to the music you love, in the best possible sound quality, anytime and anywhere.
George’s passion for classical music, paired with his forward-thinking approach, has guided eClassical from its humble beginnings to its place today as a trusted platform for classical music lovers around the world. By staying independent, innovative, and committed to quality, eClassical continues to offer a unique experience that celebrates the timeless beauty of classical music while respecting the hard work of the artists and composers who create it.
eClassical: Where music ownership meets the highest standards of quality and care.