Classical concert goers’ numbers in the UK are dwindling

The number of people attending classical concerts in the UK is steadily dwindling. This significant reduction has been attributed to the fact that most visitors to these facilities were not impressed by what they observed in the concert halls and subsequently made the decision not to continue attending. It is interesting to note that classical music is losing ground to activities such as the visual arts and drama. This is more pronounced amongst ethnic minority communities. This has relegated the classical music genre, and live performances even more so, to the preserve of more affluent and older white people.

As these numbers continue to dwindle research has shown that the younger generation has continued to tune in to classical music radio stations. It is now apparent that the youth are deserting these facilities in a bid to get away from the elitist and formal settings that have been characteristic of UK concert halls and venues. This trend has been observed to be more profound as the youth continue to grow older.

Interviews with the youths themselves give some interesting insights into why this trend is on the rise. A typical response blamed the mass exodus from the concert halls on an uninformed management. Young people revealed that the music that was played in the halls while sometimes being new was not quite palatable to them. Asked what sort of music they preferred the response was that most young people were more attracted to the more established classical pieces.

Another point of contention was the perceived aloofness of the performers and conductors on the concert stages. The youth suggested that conductors for instance should take the opportunity to introduce the orchestra and the title of the performance perhaps offering a small glimpse into the piece’s history. This would bring about a feeling of connection. It was also suggested that the prices charged to attend these concerts were way out of the reach of many young persons thus many were unable to access the events.

Others complained that the quality of performances at the concert halls was below par. This was seen as poor service delivery and did not represent value for money. The promotion techniques used to target young classical music aficionados were to blame as well since these seemed to have the effect of repelling the youth rather than attracting them. Other schools of thought were that classical music was poorly regarded in society and as such the younger generations had not learnt how to appreciate the genre.

Young people also took issue with the notion that classical music and concerts were the preserve of the elite and that not much was being done to dispel this myth. These are some of the issues that young people are raising and that they are citing as the reasons why they appear to be disinterested in attending concerts. A sense of collective responsibility should be initiated with the aim of reversing this trend so that the classical music genre is perpetuated. If you want a ssd drive, follow this link.