I love opera. I love the music, the singing, the stories and the drama. To make sure I can go as often as possible, I usually buy the standing tickets at the back of the stalls. They're much more affordable, and the view is hard to beat.

Recently, I've noticed something that has really surprised me. There seem to be more young people in the audience than ever before. Students, young professionals and groups of friends are filling the theatre, challenging the stereotype that classical music is only for the oldies.

So I did a little digging. A national survey published by the Association of British Orchestras in late 2025 found that younger adults have a very positive view of classical music. Among Gen Z and Millennials, 72% believe listening to or participating in classical music has a positive impact on health and wellbeing, 75% believe it helps develop valuable life skills, and 78% believe orchestras should provide more opportunities for children and young people.

I completely agree!

There is something deeply moving about watching a masterpiece that has survived for hundreds of years come to life. Every performance is the result of hundreds of people bringing their talents together: the singers, musicians, conductor, chorus, stage crew, costume designers and others working behind the scenes. Together, they create a powerful expression of human creativity, dedication and excellence.

When the world feels too fast, noisy and dominated by screens, opera invites us to put our devices away, listen deeply and become completely absorbed in the moment.

Perhaps that's why younger audiences are discovering it.