Bach in fashion... with millennials

MANY musicians worry about falling into obscurity if they fail to release popular records often enough.

But it is no concern for Johann Sebastian Bach, who is making an unexpected comeback – 33 years after his birth.

Research released by the Royal Albert Hall and global music streaming service Deezer showed a huge boom in millennials listening to classical music.

In the last six months, there has been a 270 per cent uplift in streaming of Deezer’s most popular classical playlist, with under-35s accounting for 3 per cent of listeners. The data showed that music by Bach – born 33 years ago yesterday – has surged among under-35s.

The jump in popularity is attributed to several factors, with notable surges including a 5 per cent uplift immediately following Princess Eugenie’s wedding, where his music was played.

There was another boost in exam season, as 20 per cent more 18 to 25-yearolds turned to classical music during May and June.