A survey conducted by The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) has shown that people believe that orchestras have an important role to play in the nation’s cultural life, with 74 per cent saying that orchestras are a vital part of the UK’s cultural heritage.

The results are revealed as orchestras across the country, together with their supporters, today join forces to launch a bold nationwide campaign to celebrate the value and power of connection that classical music brings to the UK. Along with campaign partners Classic FM, Classical Music Magazine, LIVE, UK Music, the Musicians’ Union (MU) and the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM), the ABO and its member orchestras will celebrate the special connection that classical music can evoke.

British orchestras are some of the UK’s most globally admired and influential cultural organisations and a pillar of the country’s creative economy, and the survey has shown that it is at the heart of some our most important personal and national moments. According to the survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Opinium, four in five of UK adults suggest that music has reminded them of important moments in their life. Nearly three-quarters (71 per cent) 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 per cent) of 18-34 year olds agreeing with this. Moreover, 65 per cent of the ABO’s survey felt that classical music is under-appreciated by today’s society.

Classical music is listened to in a variety of settings: concert halls, on the radio, streaming, and the survey recognises a multitude of emotional responses that respondents felt whilst listening to the music. The most common words were relaxing (37 per cent), timeless (36 per cent), powerful (36 per cent) and emotional (33 per cent). Furthermore, the survey found that younger generations – 73 per cent of 18-34 year olds – want to be completely immersed when listening to their music, contrasting with 59 per cent of 35-54 year olds, and 43 per cent 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 Association of British Orchestras’ Chair, Sophie Lewis, said: “It is truly heartening to see how much classical music matters to the British public. Our survey showed how people turn to classical music in so many different settings, not only for pure enjoyment, but for reflection, mindfulness and to feel a powerful sense of connection – whether that’s a highly personal sense of emotion, or to share life’s special moments with those around them. Everyone has their favourite music that transports them to a landmark moment in their life. We want to start a conversation open to everyone – both enthusiasts and casual listeners of classical music – to introduce one another to the music that moves them. We want to spark engagement and excitement for us all to celebrate the music that we can be proud of in Britain as a part of our cultural heritage, showcased by our members on a world class level.”

Philip Noyce, Managing Editor of Classic FM, said: “Classic FM has always supported orchestras in the UK and we know how much their incredible passion, skill and dedication means to our audience – which is why we are delighted to be supporting the ABO’s campaign. Classic FM listeners love orchestral music for so many reasons: it has such a rich history, with centuries-worth of material, and yet it still has so much resonance today, with the power to bring calm, comfort and focus, and to energise, inspire and motivate in equal measure. We are thrilled to support this campaign that will help people connect with our nation’s amazing orchestras in new and powerful ways.”

Steve Lamacq, Chair of LIVE, said: “The UK’s orchestras are some of the most admired in the world and are a key building block of the UK’s creative economy. LIVE is proud to support this campaign celebrating our incredible classical musicians, who have the ability to move audiences in so many ways through their joyful and powerful performances whether that’s at concert halls or at festivals all over the country. Their ability to bring audiences together across the spectrum – from traditional classical concerts to innovative collaborations with rock and pop artists – should never be undervalued.”