*
banner

New survey shows classical music is under appreciated

65% of people believe classical music to be under appreciated — as new survey highlights that orchestras are a vital part of UK cultural life.

Music
  Classical music is under appreciated according to the new survey

A new survey conducted by The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) has shown that 74% of people believe that orchestras are a vital part of the UK's cultural heritage.

Under appreciated

In addition, over 65% of the 2000 people asked, felt that classical music was "under-appreciated", whilst over 70% felt it helped to amplify significant moments in a person's life such as weddings or funerals to state occasions and sporting ceremonies.

The survey was held in partnership with Classic FM, Classical Music Magazine, LIVE, UK Music, the Musicians Unions and the Independent Society of Musicians.

Inspire

The campaign's purpose is to inspire the British public to celebrate and share what classical music means to them.

Through the hashtag #MusicThatMovesYou, people are invited to show their love of classical music and support for UK orchestras by sharing a piece of classical music on social media that has moved them and what the music has meant to them in their life.

In addition, over 65% of the 2000 people asked, felt that classical music was "under-appreciated", whilst over 70% felt it helped to amplify significant moments in a person's life4BR

Responses

Responses to describe the effect of hearing classical music said that it was 'relaxing' (37%); timeless (36%); powerful (35%) and emotional (33%).

Interestingly, it also found that 73% of 18-34 year olds wanted to be 'completely immersed' in their musical experiences compared to 43% of 55 year olds plus.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Chinnor

New direction at Chinnor

January 17 • Chris Andrews takes the baton alongside a trio of new signings as the band looks forward to making its First Section debut at Stevenage.


webster

Wonderful response to charity concert

January 17 • A concert to help raise funds for a young family man with a close connection to the old banding world has already gained a wonderful response of support.


Review

4BR Review — Episode 14

January 16 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.


Finalists

Final beats made ahead of NYBBGB Conducting Final

January 16 • Ammal Bhatia, Megan Bousfield, Tommy Tynan and Joey Wong will head to Tidworth Garrison Theatre in Wiltshire with the aim to become the winner of the prestigious event supported by British Army Music.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd