2022 could see a vast number of people looking to expand their musical horizons and get into classical music – many for the first time, according to new research commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
The nationwide survey found that roughly a third (33%) of people who admitted “not knowing much” about classical music intended to give it a go this year, equating to around 6.2m adults in the UK. In addition to this, a further 25% said they would be interested in giving it a go at some point in the future.
Of those intending to give it a go this year, a quarter (25%) were aged under 35, the equivalent of just over 1.5 million young people.
The data also gave some clues as to which regions were likely to see the most activity. Wales had one of the highest proportions of people that admitted not knowing much about classical music (40% Vs. average of 36%), as well as a high proportion intending to get into it this year (38%).
Similarly, in Yorkshire, where around 39% admitted not knowing a huge amount of classical music, with 36% of these people interested in giving it a go this year.
Separately, the research found that two in three adults (64%) were planning to explore a new music genre that they were not already familiar with this year.
Incentives to help discovery
Asking about factors that would encourage people to discover new genres of music, the top response focussed on local access to live performances. A third of people (34%) felt having music on their doorstep was key to trying something new, while one in five (21%) felt the Government needed to do more to support UK venues. Online access was also an important factor for around one in five adults (19%).
Beyond access, around a quarter felt that low-cost tickets (particularly for first-time attendees), would be a big incentive.
Asking about factors that were important to people looking to discover new music, around one in seven were looking for something that challenged them (13%), while one in nine (11%) were after something that was sufficiently eclectic.
James Williams, Managing Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra commented: “We have seen consistently throughout our research during the pandemic that despite the despite months of disruption, with venues being shut and concert cancellations, people’s desire to discover new music, challenge themselves and indulge in their own interests is as strong as ever. We now live in a world where getting into orchestral music is increasingly easy.
“The good news from these results is that despite months of disruption, with venues being shut and concert cancellations, people’s desire to discover new music, challenge themselves and indulge in their own interests is as strong as ever. Music is an important and integral part of people’s lives, and technology today means it has never been easier to discover or learn more about new genres of music. For those new to orchestral music, over 400 years of the greatest music ever written awaits.
“Of course, nothing beats the real thing when it comes to live performance. As is clear from these results, access to the live music experience is an important factor in helping people to discover new music. One part of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s huge appeal is the breadth of its wide-ranging repertoire, covering most musical tastes: from Mahler to Minecraft, and Broadway to Bond. Whatever twist or turns come from the pandemic, let’s hope that 2022 is the year where music lovers can again attend live performances with some consistency and regularity.”