[4][5] Ousley's vision for the series emerged from a desire to challenge the conventional perception of classical music as elitist or dull, with the self-stated intention to rekindle interest and broaden the appeal of the art form by introducing it to new audiences.
[8] The deliberate selection of these unique locations was aimed at crafting an unexpected and immersive experience for the audience, in comparison to the confines of conventional concert settings.
[11] Another unconventional venue for Death of Classical concerts are the catacombs of Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, subterranean spaces used for burial in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Artists and ensembles that have performed on the series include the New York Philharmonic, Lawrence Brownlee, Caroline Shaw, Jennifer Koh, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Simone Dinnerstein, Gil Shaham, Alexandre Tharaud, Lara St. John, Conrad Tao, and more.
The series has received numerous accolades, including a place on the New York Times' "Best Classical Music Concerts of the Year" list, a Classical: Next Innovation Award, The American Prize for the Arts, and WQXR's 'Excellence in Opera' award for the world premiere of David Hertzberg's opera The Rose Elf in the Catacombs in 2018.