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'North Londoners listen to classical on Tube, while South prefers pop, rock and reggae'

 
Different tastes: People in south London are more likely to listen to pop (Picture: Nigel Howard)
Louise Jury|Chief Arts Correspondent
21 January 2015

The north-south rivalry of Londoners could get even noisier with claims that those living above the river are more cultural — as a greater number listen to classical music on their commutes.

A YouGov poll for the Philharmonia Orchestra, which is based at the Southbank Centre, found a quarter of those living in the northern part of the capital enjoy classical music while en route to work compared with only 10 per cent of south Londoners.

Announcing the results today, an orchestra spokesman said: “The findings may add fuel to the fire of the light-hearted north-south rivalry, with the results painting north Londoners as the more cultural or educated of the two counterparts.”

But those in south London appear to have the more eclectic taste, with pop, rock, heavy metal, country and reggae all featuring in the music chosen to ease the pain of travel. The representative survey of 600 showed 57 per cent listened to music on the way to work and 55 per cent on the way home.

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In the mornings, the most popular genres were pop with 49 per cent, rock at 38 per cent and just over a fifth choosing R&B or soul, with dance and electronic chosen by 19 per cent, just slightly ahead of the 16 per cent with hip-hop or rap. But after a tough day, classical music sneaks into the top five, selected by 13 per cent of those who listen to wind down.

Yet mode of transport may also influence choice. Half of those who ride bikes listen to music, with heavy metal the most popular genre in the mornings, and classical on their return. Bus users are the most likely to listen to faith music such as Christian rock or gospel, while car drivers are most inclined towards the classics, with the likes of Beethoven, Brahms or Mozart being the choice of 29 per cent.

David Whelton, the Philharmonia Orchestra’s managing director, said: “While it is to be expected that rock and pop feature prominently, it’s positive to see that classical music is firmly on London’s commuting playlist — most popular as a source of comfort and a concentration aide at the end of a long day at work.”