The struggles faced by classical music today are as stark as they are concerning. Funding cuts, closure threats, and a declining presence on social media have all contributed to an atmosphere of doom and gloom that threatens the very existence of this rich cultural heritage.
It's hard not to feel a sense of despair when every major announcement in recent years has been bad news for classical music. Yet, despite such dire headlines, there are countless unsung heroes who continue to make music with passion and dedication, bringing people together through their art.
Take the story of Gresford, a Welsh village that came together to create an opera commemorating a mining disaster 80 years ago. Or consider Sean Chandler, principal cornet of an amateur brass band in York, who founded an initiative to teach hearing-impaired children to play instruments. These are just two examples of the countless community-led projects that demonstrate classical music's enduring power.
The Royal Philharmonic Society Awards are a testament to this resilience and creativity. By recognizing both established stars and unsung heroes, these awards celebrate the very best of what classical music has to offer.
It's also worth noting that audiences for classical music are growing. In fact, 84% of adults surveyed in 2023 expressed a desire to attend a live orchestral concert. The BBC Proms' record-breaking digital audience and soaring streams numbers further demonstrate an appetite for this kind of art.
We need to reset the narrative around classical music and make it more compelling. We need to harness its energy, imagination, and dedication to create a brighter future that celebrates its value and impact on our lives.
So let us cherish these unsung heroes, support them with passion, and celebrate their achievements. For in doing so, we ensure that classical music remains an integral part of our cultural heritage β a source of joy, meaning, and connection that will continue to inspire generations to come.
It's hard not to feel a sense of despair when every major announcement in recent years has been bad news for classical music. Yet, despite such dire headlines, there are countless unsung heroes who continue to make music with passion and dedication, bringing people together through their art.
Take the story of Gresford, a Welsh village that came together to create an opera commemorating a mining disaster 80 years ago. Or consider Sean Chandler, principal cornet of an amateur brass band in York, who founded an initiative to teach hearing-impaired children to play instruments. These are just two examples of the countless community-led projects that demonstrate classical music's enduring power.
The Royal Philharmonic Society Awards are a testament to this resilience and creativity. By recognizing both established stars and unsung heroes, these awards celebrate the very best of what classical music has to offer.
It's also worth noting that audiences for classical music are growing. In fact, 84% of adults surveyed in 2023 expressed a desire to attend a live orchestral concert. The BBC Proms' record-breaking digital audience and soaring streams numbers further demonstrate an appetite for this kind of art.
We need to reset the narrative around classical music and make it more compelling. We need to harness its energy, imagination, and dedication to create a brighter future that celebrates its value and impact on our lives.
So let us cherish these unsung heroes, support them with passion, and celebrate their achievements. For in doing so, we ensure that classical music remains an integral part of our cultural heritage β a source of joy, meaning, and connection that will continue to inspire generations to come.