City of Music (UNESCO)

The City of Music is a special title given by UNESCO to cities around the world that show how important music is for their growth and future. These cities work together to share ideas and create more music events and programs. This network is part of a bigger group called the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, which started in 2004.

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network includes cities that are good at different creative things, like making crafts, designing, making films, cooking special foods, writing books, and more. Music is just one of these creative fields, and cities with the City of Music title help make sure music stays an important part of life in their towns.

Cities of Music values

The UNESCO Creative City Network helps cities use creativity to grow in a way that is good for everyone. This network includes cities that focus on different arts, like music, design, and film.

About the cities

In March 2006, Seville became the first City of Music. Not long after, Bologna joined as well.

Seville is famous for its Flamenco performances, which UNESCO considers important cultural heritage.

Hamamatsu is where well-known musical instrument companies like Yamaha, Kawai, and Roland began. The city also has a Museum of Musical Instruments.

Liverpool, the city where The Beatles started, earned its title because music plays such an important role in the city’s life. UNESCO praised Liverpool’s strong focus on music education and skills for young people.

Other cities like Idanha-a-Nova, which “lives by the rhythm of music,” Ghent, a “city full of culture,” and Auckland, the “beating heart of New Zealand’s music industry,” also hold this special title.

In Adelaide, music venues were protected by new laws after people worked together to save a popular spot called the Crown and Anchor. This helped keep live music alive in the city centre.

Gwalior in India is known as the home of the Gwalior Gharana, an important school of classical music that shaped how khayal singing is performed today.

Cities of Music

As of 2024, there are 75 special cities around the world called Cities of Music. These cities focus on using music to help their communities grow and thrive. Nine countries have two of these special music cities, and six countries have three. Only one country, Colombia, has four Cities of Music.

The Cities of Music are: