Music really is good for the soul, according to a survey which shows two-thirds of people are happier and “more stimulated” when listening to live performances.
The poll of 2,000 people also found 68 per cent were “more sociable” and 59 per cent “more engaged”. The research by the Royal Albert Hall comes as the summer festival season gets into full swing, with dozens of events coming up across London including Finsbury Park’s Wireless where Pharrell performed last year, and Lovebox in Victoria Park.
However, the survey found that 45 per cent do not feel able to afford a ticket to a live concert. Lucy Noble, Artistic and Commercial Director at the Royal Albert Hall, said: “The positive effects of live music are undoubtable. We must do all we can to ensure that live music is accessible and affordable to all and not just the privileged and wealthy.”
She highlighted the venue’s Free Friday Music initiative, held at its restaurant, Verdi, and its Songbook scheme, in which a free concert, covering the history of music at the hall and aimed at elderly people, is staged at hospitals, hospices and care homes.
