A new report from the UK’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO), in collaboration with the data collection and analysis firm Walr Research, points to a resurgence in classical music engagement, marking the highest level of home-based activity in six years.

The study research surveyed a nationally representative sample of 2,012 adults, found that that 85 percent of UK adults engage with classical music from home, an increase driven by a rise in listening, learning, and collection-building.

Notably, the percentage of adults interested in building a collection of orchestral recordings jumped from 26 percent to 38 percent in the past year.

Photo © Larissa Birta/Unsplash

Radio remains a key driver in this trend, with 52 percent of adults regularly tuning into classical stations – up significantly from the previous year.

Streaming also plays a role, with 48 percent of respondents turning to digital platforms, while 17 percent still favour physical media such as CDs and vinyl.

“For many, recorded music is the gateway to discovering orchestral works before stepping into a concert hall,” said RPO Music Director Vasily Petrenko. 

The report highlights that 42 percent of newcomers to classical music begin by listening to recordings at...