Proud Brits are more likely to rate the nation’s music as our greatest export – ahead of the Royal Family, medical achievements and literature.
A nationwide poll of over 2,000 people found that almost half the nation believe musicians ranging from pop and rock acts to top orchestras are our greatest ever gift to the world.
The results showed that 41% put British music top of their pops ahead of the Royal family at 40% and breakthroughs in medicine at 35% due to the achievements of superstars such as Coldplay, Adele and Ed Sheeran.
But there were notable declines in pride for British manufacturing and business innovation in business whilst perception of politicians and politics remained rooted to the bottom of the list at just 8%.
The research was conducted by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in support of the Daily Express’s Strike A Chord crusade to raise awareness of the importance of music education to future UK prosperity.
Other exports that rose in popularity included film and television, theatre and literature, comedy, and sporting excellence.
The results show that pride in music was most likely to come from older generations. Around 50% of people over 45 cited music as the nation’s best export. Men (43%) were more likely than women (40%) to have this view. Pride in music was also particularly strong among people in Scotland (48%) and Wales (44%).
Huw Davies, acting managing director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra said: “The significance of music as a tool of soft power cannot be overstated. It remains one of this country’s most potent assets in building relationships and overcoming barriers with nations around the globe.
“The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s recent tour of China—our first visit since the pandemic and the first with Music Director Vasily Petrenko—highlights this power. Performing nine concerts in seven cities across China, including Beijing and Shanghai, we attracted capacity audiences and forged partnerships with some of the nation’s most prestigious and influential cultural institutions.
“This tour was not just a series of performances; it was an endeavour that successfully underscored music’s ability to transcend ideological boundaries to foster deeper connections between the UK and China. The arts, particularly music, are increasingly becoming one of the top cultural exports, demonstrating their unparalleled role in uniting people of different cultures and belief systems.”