Classical music’s rise in popularity during lockdown
Mozart and Bach go mainstream as classical music appeals to younger audience
Last updated 18th Aug 2020
It’s safe to say that 2020 has been somewhat unprecedented, no one would have expected that this time last year live events would be postponed, the country would go into lockdown, and working from home would become the new normal.
However, it hasn’t all been doom and gloom; a recent study by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra RPO, the BPI, and Deezer has revealed that classical music is now finding a broader audience.
Using official streaming data, the research has shown that 18-25-year-olds accounted for a third (34%) of classical streamers worldwide in the last 12 months.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, RPO’s research found 35 per cent of respondents under 35 felt listening to orchestral music during lockdown had helped them relax and maintain a sense of calmness and wellbeing. A further 18 per cent said the genre had lifted their spirits in isolation.
_“At a time of crisis and anxiety, music has become more important to people as an expression of hope, giving some the strength to endure and for others serving as a tonic to support their mental health and wellbeing”. -_**James Williams, Managing Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra**
The RPO’s research results have also found that the under 35s were the most likely group intending to support arts organisations once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, to help them make up for lost income (64% compared to a national average of 43%).
_"It is wonderful that new audiences are coming to classical music during this time of anxiety.”_ – **Max Richter**
‘Mood listening’, which allows listeners to select music to match their emotion, activity or situation is being looked upon as a key element for broadening the appeal of Classical music.
As relaxation became key in lockdown, Mood playlist, such as Deezer’s ‘Calm Piano’ and ‘Classical For Sleep’ playlists saw a rise in popularity amongst the under 35’s, with the latter spiking from 10 per cent, to over half (52%), and up to 284% across all age groups.
The report also revealed that Deezer’s most streamed classical artists and composers this year in the UK include Ludovico Einaudi, John Williams, Andrea Bocelli, Max Richter and Luciano Pavarotti.
So, whilst 2020 has indeed been unpredictable, we welcome the new audiences to the genre and look forward to showing them what the genre has to offer, once the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.