A survey by YouGov has found that 80 percent of British adults ‘have a relationship with’ classical music with 43 per cent listening while relaxing at home.
The survey, commissioned by the Philharmonia Orchestra, asked 2,020 people about their relationship with classical music and found that 38 per cent of respondents listened to it in concert halls compared with 34 per cent who listened while on a car journey.
Other popular places and times to listen to classical music were at special occasions (35 per cent), at a restaurant (33 per cent ) and while reading (23 per cent).
The number of people who listened to music while reading rose to 30 per cent among 18-24 year olds. The survey found that younger people listened to classical music during some activities (travelling, on a date or at a dinner party) more than older audiences, and that 17 per cent of full-time students listened to classical music when exercising.
‘These are myth-busting figures, showing that the great composers have importance and relevance in people’s everyday lives,’ said the Philharmonia Orchestra’s marketing director Alice Walton. ‘At a time when people lead hectic lives, many people want to engage with music on their own terms.’
Jack Flanagan