RPO survey finds young classical listeners keeping physical formats alive

Physical recordings remain part of young classical listeners’ habits, according to research released by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In its survey, CDs, vinyl and cassettes all registered higher figures among respondents under 25 than across the sample as a whole.

The research, conducted with UK Omnibus Group, asked 2,000 adults who like classical music how they enjoy recorded music. Streaming accounted for 29 per cent of responses and purchased downloads for 16 per cent. CDs stood at 17 per cent, vinyl at 15 per cent and cassettes at six per cent.

Among the under-25s, the corresponding physical-format figures were 23 per cent for CDs, 18 per cent for vinyl and 12 per cent for cassettes. The orchestra also reported that these formats were more popular in that age group than among respondents aged 55 and above.

Family collections were another route into listening: 15 per cent of younger respondents said they had developed album-listening habits by exploring records or CDs belonging to parents and relatives. The findings suggest that discovery does not always begin with a new purchase or a personalised online recommendation.

The research accompanied the release of the RPO and Vasily Petrenko’s recording of Richard Strauss’s An Alpine Symphony. Issued by harmonia mundi on October 30, it is the third album in their recording partnership and is available in physical, download and streaming formats.

The figures describe reported preferences within a survey, not retail sales or a prediction that streaming will be displaced. Indeed, streaming remained the largest individual category in the overall results.

What emerges is a mixed listening environment. Younger classical audiences can use digital access while also valuing an object they can own, browse or inherit. For orchestras releasing recordings, that coexistence matters: a single album may reach listeners through several formats rather than one replacing all the others.