Rosalía Inspires Young Listeners to Discover Classical Music

Published: 27 November 2025 Thursday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Spanish singer Rosalía is sparking a renewed interest in classical music among a new generation of listeners. The day before she announced her fourth studio album, Lux, Rosalía shared a video on Instagram with classical music playing in the background, offering fans a glimpse into the unique sound of her latest work.

The lead single, Berghain, opens with violins followed by a choir, showcasing the singer’s classically trained voice and her collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO). The project has not only delighted her fans but has also prompted discussions about how modern artists can introduce younger audiences to classical music.

At the LSO East London Academy, a free programme for 11 to 18-year-olds that provides professional musical coaching, young learners are already discovering the appeal of orchestral music. Fifteen-year-old Si told BBC Newsbeat: “I think a lot of people are always like: ‘Oh, classical music is so boring. But when I’m playing classical music… I feel like I want to continue because it’s really fun.”

Si said that listening to Rosalía’s album has been particularly inspiring. “It’s really cool to see modern music turn more creative and different from what we normally think of as pop music. So, having these classical instruments in modern music is a lot more fun,” he explained.

While Rosalía’s work has ignited a mainstream conversation about classical music, she is not the first pop star to incorporate orchestral sounds into contemporary music. According to Hattie Butterworth, a cellist and editor of Choir & Organ and Opera Now magazines, more pop artists are exploring classical music to connect authentically with audiences.

“There’s something about artists being inherently connected to their musicality that audiences really respond to,” Butterworth said. “If you know an artist has that background in singing, or in playing a clarinet, or an orchestral instrument, it feels like there’s a bit more validity to it.”

Rosalía’s blending of classical techniques with modern pop not only highlights her versatility but also opens up opportunities for young musicians to see the relevance of classical instruments in today’s music landscape. Many educators believe that this approach can encourage children and teenagers to take up an instrument, explore orchestral music, and develop a deeper appreciation for music theory and performance.

At the academy, students regularly attend workshops, practice in ensembles, and receive mentoring from professional musicians. They are learning that music is not just a historical art form but a living, evolving medium that can bridge traditional and modern genres.

Rosalía’s project exemplifies this bridging. By introducing classical elements in her latest album, she demonstrates that orchestral sounds can coexist with contemporary pop and electronic music. For aspiring musicians, this is a powerful reminder that classical training can enhance creativity rather than restrict it.

Parents and educators have welcomed this development, noting that younger audiences often dismiss classical music as outdated. Rosalía’s work challenges this perception, making it accessible and exciting for teens and young adults. The singer’s ability to combine modern sensibilities with classical expertise may help to shape a future generation of musicians who value both tradition and innovation.

As music continues to evolve, collaborations between pop artists and classical institutions like the LSO signal a growing trend of inclusivity, experimentation, and cross-genre learning. Rosalía’s influence goes beyond chart success; she is inspiring young listeners to pick up instruments, explore orchestral music, and embrace creativity in ways that were previously considered niche or elitist.

With the release of Lux, Rosalía has proven that classical music can find a vibrant place in contemporary culture. Her collaboration with professional orchestras, combined with her modern pop sensibility, highlights a powerful synergy that may well define the next generation of classical music enthusiasts.