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London and UNESCO’s “Global Symphony”: What it means to be a City of Culture

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London’s music community has hit a high note on the world stage. In late 2021, London (Ontario) earned the prestigious designation of UNESCO City of Music, becoming the first Canadian city to receive that. This title isn’t just a fancy label, it’s a recognition of London’s rich musical heritage and a ticket to a global network of creative cities.

“This designation reaffirms that London is an international hub for music and culture. We are home to incredibly talented artists, songwriters, producers, sound engineers, venue and festival operators and world-renowned music education programs,” said then London Mayor Ed Holder. In other words, the world now sees what Londoners have long known: music is at the heart of the city’s identity and economy.

In fact, London’s live music sector supports nearly a thousand jobs and hosts thousands of concerts each year, contributing about $600 million to the local economy. Becoming a City of Music is a moment of pride, but it’s also a springboard for potential and connectedness in challenging times.

Read London & UNESCO's "Global Symphony"

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