The Decline of Classical Music's Visibility
Reading about good news stories about classical music these days is a rare occurrence. Funding cuts and threats to university music departments have left the sector reeling. National opera companies are struggling to stay afloat, while councils are axing local provision for music education in schools.
It's hard not to feel disheartened when confronted with such adversity. However, there are still countless stories of classical music makers doing incredible things – bringing people together, providing solace and comfort, and promoting the power of music. These successes are all too often overshadowed by the headlines, which only serve to further erode confidence in the sector.
We Need a New Narrative
Sir Humphrey Burton, who sadly passed away recently, was a pioneering figure who helped put classical music on mainstream television channels. His groundbreaking shows, including Monitor and Omnibus, showcased the beauty and importance of music to an entire nation.
Fast-forward to today, and the internet and streaming services have changed the game. But in this vast digital landscape, it's become increasingly challenging for advocates to grab the public's attention. The issue is compounded by how to condense complex works like symphonies and operas into bite-sized formats designed to hold viewers' interest.
The current state of affairs takes its toll on funding and opinion formers, who are forced to question whether classical music remains relevant. This diminishing presence has led to a decline in visibility and support – ultimately resulting in cuts and closures.
Resetting the Story
We need to revisit the narrative around classical music. We must highlight the incredible work being done by musicians, composers, and communities across the UK. These unsung heroes are creating meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.
Consider the community of Gresford, who collaborated on an opera commemorating their village's mining disaster. This powerful example shows how music can bring people together, providing a voice for those who might otherwise be forgotten.
Take the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, which delivered interactive projects to over 70,000 people in Glasgow's deprived ward of Anderston. Or Sean Chandler, principal cornet of the amateur Shepherd Brass Band in York, who is helping hearing-impaired children develop their musical skills through his initiative I Can Play Brass Roots.
These stories are representative of what UK classical music makers do every day – using music to uplift, educate and inspire. They deserve recognition for their tireless efforts.
A Growing Audience Recognises Classical Music's Worth
Despite the challenges, there is a growing sense that classical music's value should be acknowledged. In fact, recent surveys have shown that audiences are becoming increasingly enthusiastic about live orchestral concerts. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's survey found 84% of adults wanting to experience a live concert, while BBC Radio 3 reported its largest audience since the pandemic in 2023.
The RPS awards ceremony – which celebrates outstanding achievements in classical music – is an opportunity for us to come together and share our passion. We welcome not only established musicians but also the public who attend these events, as they are integral to telling the story of this incredible art form.
Sir Humphrey Burton's legacy reminds us that classical music has a vital role to play in British culture. It's time we rediscovered this significance and celebrated the remarkable work being done by those involved in the sector today.
Reading about good news stories about classical music these days is a rare occurrence. Funding cuts and threats to university music departments have left the sector reeling. National opera companies are struggling to stay afloat, while councils are axing local provision for music education in schools.
It's hard not to feel disheartened when confronted with such adversity. However, there are still countless stories of classical music makers doing incredible things – bringing people together, providing solace and comfort, and promoting the power of music. These successes are all too often overshadowed by the headlines, which only serve to further erode confidence in the sector.
We Need a New Narrative
Sir Humphrey Burton, who sadly passed away recently, was a pioneering figure who helped put classical music on mainstream television channels. His groundbreaking shows, including Monitor and Omnibus, showcased the beauty and importance of music to an entire nation.
Fast-forward to today, and the internet and streaming services have changed the game. But in this vast digital landscape, it's become increasingly challenging for advocates to grab the public's attention. The issue is compounded by how to condense complex works like symphonies and operas into bite-sized formats designed to hold viewers' interest.
The current state of affairs takes its toll on funding and opinion formers, who are forced to question whether classical music remains relevant. This diminishing presence has led to a decline in visibility and support – ultimately resulting in cuts and closures.
Resetting the Story
We need to revisit the narrative around classical music. We must highlight the incredible work being done by musicians, composers, and communities across the UK. These unsung heroes are creating meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.
Consider the community of Gresford, who collaborated on an opera commemorating their village's mining disaster. This powerful example shows how music can bring people together, providing a voice for those who might otherwise be forgotten.
Take the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, which delivered interactive projects to over 70,000 people in Glasgow's deprived ward of Anderston. Or Sean Chandler, principal cornet of the amateur Shepherd Brass Band in York, who is helping hearing-impaired children develop their musical skills through his initiative I Can Play Brass Roots.
These stories are representative of what UK classical music makers do every day – using music to uplift, educate and inspire. They deserve recognition for their tireless efforts.
A Growing Audience Recognises Classical Music's Worth
Despite the challenges, there is a growing sense that classical music's value should be acknowledged. In fact, recent surveys have shown that audiences are becoming increasingly enthusiastic about live orchestral concerts. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's survey found 84% of adults wanting to experience a live concert, while BBC Radio 3 reported its largest audience since the pandemic in 2023.
The RPS awards ceremony – which celebrates outstanding achievements in classical music – is an opportunity for us to come together and share our passion. We welcome not only established musicians but also the public who attend these events, as they are integral to telling the story of this incredible art form.
Sir Humphrey Burton's legacy reminds us that classical music has a vital role to play in British culture. It's time we rediscovered this significance and celebrated the remarkable work being done by those involved in the sector today.
I'm literally dying over here thinking about how much I love classical music, but like, how did it get soooo underrated?! 
Seriously though, it's crazy to think that there are still so many talented musicians out there who are doing amazing work, like that Gresford opera project... genius! 
And can we talk about the RPS awards ceremony? That sounds like an absolute blast! 
I mean, who wouldn't want to be a part of something that celebrates classical music and all its awesomeness?! 
The thing is, it's not just about the music itself, but also how it brings people together... which is what Sir Humphrey Burton did back in the day. He was like a pioneer or something! 
Anyway, I'm so glad to see there's still hope for classical music's future. Let's keep spreading the love and recognition for all these incredible musicians out there! 
we can't just focus on the struggles - we have to shine a light on the successes too! 
but like theres still so much positivity out there 
u know? theres so many amazin stories of ppl doin incredible things with music 4 the community 4 example thats that opera in gresford which brought everyone together 
thats what we need more of 
its pretty sad to see classical music struggling 
... like how can you cut public services when they provide so much joy 
? anyway, i do think there are some amazing stories out there about people using music to bring communities together 
... the gresford opera project was actually really inspiring 
. We need to start sharing their stories more and giving them some recognition 
. I mean, Sir Humphrey Burton was a legend and his shows were so influential in putting classical music on mainstream TV 
. And now we're losing all these university departments and local music education programs... it's heartbreaking 
. But the thing is, classical music is still alive and well, and there are people out there who are doing amazing things with it 
!
, sharing the beauty and importance of music with everyone 
!
, you know? Everyone's always talking about funding cuts and university closures, but nobody ever shares the awesome stuff happening on the ground 
. There are these incredible communities and projects popping up everywhere, doing amazing work with music to bring people together, promote arts education... it's like they're just flying under the radar 
.
. We should be celebrating the people who are making a real difference, not just the ones with the fancy degrees or the big concert halls 
. I mean, have you seen those videos of the Gresford community coming together for that opera? Or the work Sean Chandler is doing with hearing-impaired kids? It's like music to my ears 
The whole situation with classical music is pretty messed up, if you ask me 
. On the other hand, when I do hear about people doing amazing things with music, like the community in Gresford or Sean Chandler's initiative... it's actually pretty inspiring 
. It feels like everyone's always talking about how classical music is dying out, but nobody's really sharing the good stuff 
? I mean, some surveys say people are actually getting more into live concerts and all that 
. We need to celebrate those people doing awesome stuff, because that's what classical music is all about 
We need to be showcasing the artists more, not just their music. Maybe a reality TV show or something? That would get people's attention! 
. And the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's interactive projects? Mind blown! We need more of that kind of stuff, not just fancy-schmancy concerts for wealthy folks 
.
. Let's get behind the artists and support them financially, emotionally, and spiritually 
these stories might get lost in the headlines, but they're what keep us going 
Can't we just put our fingers on the scale for this incredible music? 
!
u need somethin to make people care about the art form again, its not just about the fancy clothes & stuff 
gotta find new ways 2 present the work 2 ppl who dont no much about it
... The way it's presented online is so different from its original form – it's like trying to bottle lightning in a TikTok video