Glasgow Rocks As It Wins UNESCO City of Music Status

glasgowNL

Cleveland may rock and New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, but a city across the Atlantic Ocean just received its own musical recognition. Only 18 years after it held the title European Capital of Culture, Glasgow has now been confirmed as a UNESCO City of Music

The bid to become a UNESCO City of Music was based on the Scotland city’s local, national and international importance as a musical center, the historic and current importance of music to the city, the outstanding excellence of its musicians and practitioners, the depth, creativity and commitment of its policy both with regard to music itself, and also to music as a tool of social regeneration, improvement and education.

In an average week, about 127 music events take place in Glasgow. During the average year, music generates an estimated $139 million to Glasgow's economy. From contemporary and classical to Celtic and country, Glasgow's music permeates through various venues, including King Tuts Wah Wah Hut (consistently voted the top live music venue in the UK), the Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom, Carling Academy, the Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, City Halls and Theatre Royal— are home to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Scottish Opera.

The Glasgow music hall of fame is equally impressive, with, Franz Ferdinand, the Fratellis, Snow Patrol, Travis, Teenage Fanclub and Belle and Sebastian all hailing from the city, as well as newcomers Isosceles, Amy MacDonald and Glasvegas.

Sample the city's musical heritage at www.seeglasgow.com/seeglasgow/photo-gallery/cityofmusic.