The South Australian capital joins an elite group of 19 cities praised for their vibrant music scene.

Adelaide has been formally recognised by the United Nations as the latest UNESCO City of Music. Adelaide joins 18 other cities from around the world that have been certified as top musical destinations, and becomes one of 116 cities in UNESCO’s Creative Cities network, including Melbourne City of Literature (2008) and Sydney the Creative City of Film (2010).

The State Government of South Australia announced its intention to run for the internationally esteemed title in July, and its prospective membership was endorsed by the City of Seville, the first city to be granted UNESCO City of Music status. As a member of this elite collection of musical cities, a report of Adelaide’s musical activities is required every four years.

Adelaide’s application was spearheaded by the South Australian Arts Minister Jack Snelling, the Adelaide Festival Centre and the local City Council. “We have a wonderful range of musical culture in Adelaide, ranging from classical music such as the Australian String Quartet and the Adelaide Chamber Singers, right through to our wonderful rock bands who cut their teeth here...