Birmingham residents are almost as proud of city's orchestra as its football clubs, study finds
Research released during World Cup suggests Birmingham's musical heritage is valued almost as highly as its famous football teams.
Birmingham residents are almost as proud of the city's orchestras and concert halls as they are of its famous football clubs, according to new research.
A study of more than 1,000 people found 38 per cent cited Birmingham's football teams as something the city can be proud of on a national and international stage, while 32 per cent highlighted its orchestras and concert venues.
The findings, released as England's World Cup campaign captures the nation's attention, form part of the forthcoming Birmingham Listening Project, commissioned by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO).
The research suggests Birmingham's musical identity is deeply embedded in everyday life, with 93 per cent of residents saying music forms part of their daily routine. Almost nine in 10 said they would like to explore new genres of live music, with one in five expressing an interest in attending orchestral or classical performances.
Emma Stenning, Chief Executive of the CBSO, said: "Birmingham is not a city waiting to be introduced to culture – it is already living it.
"The audience is already there, and it always has been. Our job is not to ask who classical music is for; it is to make sure that when people arrive, the room feels like it belongs to them."
The research also challenges the perception that classical music appeals mainly to older audiences. It found orchestral music is listened to almost as frequently by people aged 25 to 34 as those aged 55 to 64.
Researchers also found strong public backing for greater investment in arts and culture, with 91 per cent of respondents saying they wanted to see more government spending in the sector.
Nearly half said supporting grassroots music venues should be a priority, while 44 per cent wanted more children to learn music at school. More than four in 10 believed greater investment in the arts would help bring communities together, while 51 per cent said it would benefit business and tourism.
The findings come ahead of the return of CBSO in the City, which will see free orchestral performances staged across Birmingham over the August Bank Holiday weekend, from August 27 to 31. Concerts will take place in parks, libraries, pubs, cafés and other community venues, with the full programme due to be announced on July 27.