Britons ignorant about classical music

LONDON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Most Britons don't know that one of their country's famed musicians, Edward Elgar, was English, or much more about classical music.

A survey by the Artsworld channel found many were unaware that Mozart composed "The Marriage of Figaro" or that Beethoven's first name was Ludwig, reported the Daily Telegraph Saturday.

Nearly 90 percent said they had been to a classical music concert only once in their lives.

"It all goes back to the fact that music is neglected in secondary schools," said Geoffrey Norris, chief music critic of the Daily Telegraph.

"You only have to watch something like 'The Weakest Link,' and wait for a question to come up on classical music. They always get it wrong."