Music that Moves You: new survey from ABO & partners reveals 74% say that orchestras are a vital part of the country’s cultural heritage

National Children’s Orchestras under 12 orchestra perform Shimmer and Glow at Portsmouth Guildhall, August 2023 (Photo: Vernon Nash)

It shouldn’t need saying but it does, and there is a new survey to prove it. Yesterday, the Association of British Orchestras (ABO), representing its 200 member organisations, along with partners, Classic FM, Classical Music Magazine, LIVE, UK Music, the Musicians’ Union and the Independent Society of Musicians, launched a three-year campaign to celebrate the power and value of classical music and the UK’s orchestras, backed by a new survey that confirms what we already knew but what governments seem to forget – 74% say that orchestras are a vital part of the country’s cultural heritage and 65% of people believe that classical music is under-appreciated today.

The survey of 2,000 UK adults was conducted by Opinium, and reveals that four in five of UK adults suggest that music has reminded them of important moments in their life. 71% of people believe that classical music amplifies the big moments in life such as weddings, funerals, sporting events and national ceremonies, with nearly three quarters (73%) of 18-34 year olds agreeing with this. Moreover, 65% of the ABO’s survey felt that classical music is under-appreciated by today’s society.

The survey recognises a multitude of emotional responses that respondents felt whilst listening to the music – younger generations – 73% of 18-34 year olds – want to be completely immersed when listening to their music, contrasting with 59% of 35-54 year olds, and 43% of 55+ year olds.

Seven in ten of UK adults from the ABO’s survey believe music is an important part of their wellbeing. With many orchestras and ensembles carrying out performances in health and social care settings, not only do they contribute to the cultural life in local communities across the country, they make a vital contribution to the nation’s wellbeing, by enabling anyone to connect with the arts and to experience live music performances.

The full press release is on the ABO’s website, and there is a devoted webpage for the campaign complete with a toolkit.