These two things might seem incongruous, but there is a definite connection. Some presidents have been indifferent to classical music, or even disliked it, and knew little or nothing about it. But Thomas Jefferson (1743- 1826 ), was a highly cultured man and a pretty good violinist. His famous home at Monticello had a harpsichord, and Jefferson, a contemporary of Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven, was interested in these composers.
Not Ulysses S Grant. He declared that he was familiar with only two songs, (I believe) Yankee Doodle, and the other one he couldn't remember.
There were opera performances in Washington when Lincoln was president, and he is said to have enjoyed attending them. Richard Nixon is said to have played the piano well, and also enjoyed opera. Jimmy Carter enjoys classical music too, and according to reports, classical recordings were played in his office when he was president.
Bill Clinton is an accomplished saxophonist, and in his youth, even considered becoming a professional musician. He also likes classical music, and several years ago attended a performance of Carmen at the Metropolitan, his favorite opera, and posed for a photo with Hillary and James Levine, who conducted that performance.
The president who was most involved with classical music was Harry Truman. He was also a good pianist, and collected classical recordings. And get this- he regularly attended performances of the National symphony orchestra of Washington as president, and brought along miniature scores to follow the music !
The late Ronald Reagan enjoyed going to the opera on ocaission.
George Bush senior and junior are not really fans of classical music, but in 1991, the bicentennial of the death of Mozart, the elder Bush released an official White House proclamation acknowledging the genius of Mozart, and when the great Luciano Pavarotti died almost a year ago, George W and Laura sent their condolences.
Barack Obama also has ssome recordings of Bach on his i pod. Maybe this is a good sign.