Spring 2025
at the RNCM
Clod Ensemble Photographer: Camilla Greenwell
Cover
photo: Nobuyuki Tsujii
Photographer: Giorgia Bertazzi
Welcome to the RNCM
Collaboration is such a central part of everything we do at the RNCM, bringing our students together with staff performers, invited guest artists, young people, and our community in projects that sit across many genres, art forms, and periods of music.
We continue our public programme this Spring with an amazingly diverse array of collaborations, and our Dance:Music theme runs through many different projects. Among the highlights: Manchester-based Company Chameleon appears with our School of Strings students; our January In Focus looks at new chamber and orchestral music incorporating movement; RNCM Symphony Orchestra presents Prokofiev’s famous orchestral ballet score, Romeo and Juliet; and the RNCM Chamber Choir ventures out of the building to perform at Victoria Baths in a choreographed choral performance with the awardwinning Clod Ensemble
Partnerships feature in our longrunning immersive days and weekends, too – evident in our
Strings Festival, International Brass Band Festival, and Day of Percussion – and we are excited to welcome Tim Burgess (of The Charlatans, recently honoured with an RNCM Fellowship) for a special performance with Helen O'Hara (Dexys Midnight Runners) and the RNCM Session Orchestra.
Following a successful début, our truly joyous Gospel Choir returns this Spring season – just one of many original highlights in a calendar that includes our Opera (Benjamin Britten’s Owen Wingrave) and our popular Monday and Thursday Lunchtimes.
We look forward to welcoming you to one of our many events!
Inspirational Artists Interview: Jonathan
Biss
As part of our year-long Inspirational Artists series, the RNCM welcomes internationally renowned American pianist Jonathan Biss in March. Lauded for his profoundly insightful interpretations of classical masterpieces and his ambition to bridge the gap between these timeless works and today’s audiences, Jonathan sat down with us to talk about his life in, and love of, music. Read an extract below and enjoy the full interview online or via our e-newsletter.
Q: Do you think that young musicians are encouraged to explore a broad enough repertoire?
Jonathan: ‘Young musicians feel such an enormous pressure to do what they think is expected of them, what they think might be successful, and that makes me sad in a way because you have your whole life to be cynical. When you're young, it should be the time to be really idealistic, and especially for someone who chooses the life of an artist, who is choosing to do something which is profoundly meaningful to them.
‘I want for young musicians to feel the permission to use love as the starting point of their work.’
Jonathan also talks about his early experiences of hearing music and opens up about his struggle with performance anxiety. His career truly embodies the spirit of our Inspirational Artists theme, which is dedicated to musicians with a distinctive quality that sets them apart from the rest.
Still to come in the series, which is kindly supported by The Haworth Trust, are A Kabuki Winterreise: Spring Snow, our cover star Nobuyuki Tsujii, Manchester Collective, and Scottish Ensemble. See our Listings pages for full details.
Jonathan Biss
Tue 25 Mar | 7.30pm
RNCM Concert Hall
Full: £22
Read the Full Interview
Jonathan Biss
Photographer: Benjamin Ealovega
Symphony Orchestra
Photographer: Robin Clewley
Company
Chameleon
Photographer: Joel Chester Fildes
Festivals at the RNCM
Our immersive festivals celebrate the versatility, beauty, and brilliance of musicianship through performances that captivate listeners and embody learning at its highest level.
The RNCM Strings Festival (Sat 11 – Sun 12 Jan) is an annual celebration of string playing and, this year, features several exciting collaborations. First, The Hallé will perform side-by-side with RNCM Students and international guest soloists István Várdai (cello) and Simone Lamsma (violin), and then the RNCM String Ensemble and String Orchestra join Company Chameleon in two unique events that put music in motion – making them highlights of our Dance:Music series, too.
The RNCM International Brass Band Festival (Fri 24 – Sun 26 Jan) will mark the 80th birthday of award-winning composer Edward Gregson. His work will be performed by Foden’s Band, Tredegar Town Band, Black Dyke Band, and others; find out more on our Deep Dive page (p21).
immersive event and industry day for percussion players and enthusiasts, which boasts guest masterclasses, talks, and performances throughout. This year’s programme includes a free gala concert from The Central Band of the Royal Air Force, who also take part in the Big Play with Andrea Vogler, plus sessions from timpanist Tom Greenleaves, marimba soloist Marta Klimasara, Principal Percussionist at ENO Orchestra Mick Doran, leading solo percussionist Joby Burgess, and drummer Gabor Dornyei.
Back for its 32nd year is our popular Day of Percussion (Sun 9 Feb), our longest running Book Online
THU 9 JAN | 1.15PM | CH
FREE, WITH TICKET
Thursday Lunchtimes
RNCM Wind, Brass, and Percussion Ensembles perform
Photographer: Robin Clewley
SAT 11 – SUN 12 JAN
VARIOUS TIMES AND VENUES
RNCM Strings Festival
Saturday:
Junior RNCM Chamber Groups
6.30PM | CNRR | FREE, WITH TICKET
The Hallé with RNCM Students
7.30PM | CH | FULL: £22
Sunday:
RNCM Young Strings
1.30PM | RNCM CONCOURSE | FREE Vivaldi to Sinatra with Company Chameleon
2PM | CH | FULL: £13
NOMAD Interlude
3.15PM | RNCM CAFÉ BAR | FREE
RNCM String Orchestra with Company Chameleon
4PM | CH | FULL: £18
Celebrating the versatility, beauty, and brilliance of string music, including a unique collaboration between dance theatre group Company Chameleon and RNCM musicians
MON 13 JAN | 1.15PM | CH
FREE, WITH TICKET
Monday Lunchtimes
Duets for cello and for violin
THU 16 JAN | VARIOUS TIMES AND VENUES | FREE, WITH TICKET
New Music and Movement
In Focus
Including:
Thursday Lunchtimes
1.15PM | CH
Discussion, plus Performances
6PM | CNRR
RNCM Brand New Orchestra
7.30PM | CH
Our In Focus event explores the continuing symbiosis between music and movement, in new and recent works
FRI 17 JAN | 7.30PM | CH | FULL: £22 A Kabuki Winterreise: Spring Snow*
Kabuki play Yasuna (1818) meets Schubert’s timeless Winterreise (1827) in a profoundly emotional new production with Fleur Barron (mezzo-soprano) and Julius Drake (piano)
Pre-show concert:
Spotlight: Jean Françaix’s Octet
6.30PM | CNRR | FREE
MON 20 JAN | 1.15PM | CH
FREE, WITH TICKET
Monday Lunchtimes
Music for two pianos by Saint-Saëns and Adams
Photographer: Craig Fuller
WED 22 JAN | 6PM | T
FREE, WITH TICKET
RNCM Opera Scenes
Also:
FRI 24 JAN | 6PM
WED 29 JAN | 6PM
FRI 31 JAN | 6PM
RNCM singers perform excerpts from a wide variety of operas
THU 23 JAN | 1.15PM | CH
FREE, WITH TICKET
Thursday Lunchtimes
The RNCM Wind Orchestra performs Ellerby, Jolley, and Daugherty with Zhao Liu (timpani)
FRI 24 – SUN 26 JAN
VARIOUS TIMES AND VENUES
RNCM International Brass Band Festival
Friday:
Festival Prelude: A Saxhorn Renaissance
6.15PM | CNRR | FREE, WITH TICKET
Foden’s Band
7.30PM | CH | FULL: £22
Saturday:
Athena Brass Band
11AM | CH | FULL: £22
The 4barsrest Interview: David Bremner
1.30PM | T | FREE, WITH TICKET
Tredegar Town Band
3PM | CH | FULL: £22
Junior RNCM Brass Band
4.45PM | T | FREE, WITH TICKET
Black Dyke Band
7.30PM | CH | FULL: £22
Sunday:
RNCM Brass Band
11AM | CH | FULL: £22
Macclesfield Youth Brass Band
1.30PM | T | FREE, WITH TICKET
Cory Band
3PM | CH | FULL: £22
Brass Bands England Discussion
4.45PM | CNRR | FREE, WITH TICKET
Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band
6.30PM | CH | FULL: £22
The premier stage for the world’s leading brass band musicians, with a special programme marking Edward Gregson’s 80th birthday and a festival début from America's all-female
Athena Brass Band
MON 27 JAN | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET
Monday Lunchtimes
Piano music by Bridge and Tchaikovsky
THU 30 JAN | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET
Thursday Lunchtimes
RELAXED PERFORMANCE
RNCM Brass Ensemble performs a selection of dance suites
THU 30 JAN | 6PM | CNRR
FREE, WITH TICKET
Music for Parkinson’s
RELAXED PERFORMANCE
New music from RNCM composers designed for and with people living with Parkinson's
FRI 31 JAN | 8PM | CH | FULL: £18
Identity: Who Do You Think You Are?
With Manchester Camerata, Ethan David Loch (piano), and RNCM students
LISTINGS | FEBRUARY
SAT 1 FEB | 7PM | CH
FULL: FROM £27; VIP: £49.50
John Wilson Piano Spectacular V
Works by Ravel, Saint-Saëns, Rachmaninov and more performed on eight grand pianos; VIP ticket includes Buffet Reception
MON 3 FEB | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET
Monday Lunchtimes
Music by Bach, Brahms, and Ibert
MON 3 FEB | 7.30PM | CH | FULL: £22
Nobuyuki Tsujii (piano)*
The virtuoso pianist joins us for our Inspirational Artists season
Pre-show concert: Spotlight: RNCM Songsters –Come Sing and Dance 6.30PM | CNRR | FREE
WED 5 FEB | 7.30PM | CNRR FULL: £13
Susanna Braun (piano)
The first of our three International Artist Diploma recitals, including music by Holliger, Bach, Schumann, and Liszt
Photographer: Julie Broadfoot
Photographer: Alexandra Münch
THU 6 FEB | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET
Thursday Lunchtimes
RNCM Baroque Ensemble with director Roger Hamilton
THU 6 FEB | 2PM AND 7PM | T FREE, WITH TICKET
RNCM Children’s Opera:
Treasure Island
Composer Kate Pearson directs a cast of 140 children and over 100 RNCM musicians and vocalists in an original opera based on the Robert Louis Stevenson classic
Photographer: Robin Clewley
FRI 7 FEB | 7.30PM | CH FULL, FROM £20
Manchester Collective:
Hidden Mechanisms*
Composer and soprano Héloïse Werner peers into a music box and examines the tiny mechanical parts that power it, each inspiring a different movement
Pre-show concert:
Spotlight: Paramount Brass –From Flamenco to Funk 6.30PM | CNRR | FREE
SUN 9 FEB | ALL DAY | VARIOUS VENUES | DAY TICKET: £26 (FULL) (ACCESS TO ALL EVENTS, EXCEPT 11.20AM): YOUNG PERCUSSIONISTS: £8 (10AM AND 11.20AM SESSIONS ONLY); SINGLE SESSION: £8
RNCM Day of Percussion
Big Play with Andrea Vogler
10AM | CH | OPEN TO YOUNG PERCUSSIONISTS AND DAY TICKET HOLDERS ONLY
Tom Greenleaves: Timpani Masterclass 11.10AM | T
Young Percussionist Workshop
11.20AM | CNRR | OPEN TO YOUNG PERCUSSIONISTS ONLY
Marta Klimasara: Marimba Recital and Q&A 12.30PM | CH
Mick Doran: Secrets from the Back of the Band! 2.10PM | T
Joby Burgess: A Percussionist’s Songbook 3.30PM | CH
Gabor Dornyei: Drumming and Independence
4.40PM | T
The Central Band of the Royal Air Force: Rhythm and Dance 6PM | CH | ACCESS WITH DAY TICKET, OR FREE WITH STANDALONE TICKET
Under artistic director Simone Rebello, the festival continues its mission to engage, educate, and entertain with an all-ages programme of world-renowned names and a closing performance from RAF Northolt’s 124-year-old Central Band
Photographer: Steve Pyke
THU 13 FEB | DOORS 7PM | T
FULL: £35.20
Fairport Convention
The band’s 2025 Winter Tour hits Manchester, promoted by Dotted Line
FRI 14 FEB | 1PM | CH | FULL: £16.50
The Hallé presents Philip
Glass: Glassworks
Players from the world-famous orchestra are joined by director Colin Currie and RNCM students
Sat 15 FEB | DOORS 7PM | T
FULL, FROM £28.60
Nerina Pallot
The British singer tours new album A Psalm for Emily Salvi, promoted by Live Nation
SUN 16 FEB | DOORS 7PM | T
FULL: £27.50
Nai Barghouti
The award-winning Palestinian artist presents her diverse repertoire, promoted by MARSM
SAT 22 FEB | DOORS 7PM | T
FULL, FROM £26.95; VIP: £48.95
Chand Ali Khan and Leo Twins
Soul & Qawwali UK Tour, promoted by Qawwali World
MON 24 FEB | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET
Monday Lunchtimes
Violin and piano duos by Brahms and Wieniawski
TUE 25 FEB | 7.30PM | CH | FULL: £13
The Frederic Cox Award for Singing
Prestigious annual award in honour of the last Principal of the Royal Manchester College of Music
Pre-show concert: Spotlight: Piazzolla for Eight Cellos
6.30PM | CNRR | FREE
WED 26 FEB | 7.30PM
CNRR | FULL: £18
Gabriel Bianco (guitar)
French multi-award-winning classical guitarist
THU 27 FEB | 1.15PM | CH
FREE, WITH TICKET
Thursday Lunchtimes
Kai Strobel directs the RNCM Percussion Ensemble
LISTINGS | MARCH
SAT 1 MAR | 7PM | T | FULL: £27.50
RNCM Session Orchestra
with Tim Burgess and Helen O’Hara
The Charlatans’ frontman and Dexys Midnight Runners’ celebrated violinist showcase their unique collaboration with RNCM classical and popular music students
SUN 2 MAR | FROM 11AM | CH
FULL: £20
Manchester Amateur
Choral Competition
Manchester’s annual open competition, promoted by MACC
MON 3 MAR | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET
Monday Lunchtimes
Piano music by Chopin and Beethoven
MON 3 MAR | 7.30PM | CNRR
FULL: £20
The Song Pharmacy
RNCM Associate Artist Soraya Mafi launches an innovative ‘prescriptive’ recital that explores the benefits of classical song for mental health
TUE 4 MAR | DOORS 7PM | T
FULL: £22
Bill Laurance and Michael League
The longtime friends and collaborators celebrate their second album, promoted by Serious
Pre-show concert:
Spotlight: Fushigi (Japanese City Pop Band)
6.30PM | STUDIO 1 | FREE
Photo courtesy of Tim Burgess
Photo courtesy of Serious
THU 6 MAR | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET
Thursday Lunchtimes
RNCM Guitars with director Craig Ogden
THU 6 MAR | 7.30PM | CH
FULL, FROM £16.50
RNCM Symphony Orchestra: Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet
Andrew Manze conducts works by Patrick Gorry, Beethoven, and Prokofiev, with Siyi Dai (piano)
Pre-show concert:
Spotlight: Osian Ensemble –Latin Nights
6.30PM | CNRR | FREE
MON 10 MAR | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET
Monday Lunchtimes
Two duos from our Popular Music course
TUE 11 MAR | 7PM | CH
FULL, FROM £16.50
RNCM Gospel Choir
Wayne Ellington directs an inspirational programme of songs
Photographer: Robin Clewley
WED 12 MAR | 6PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET European Chamber Music Academy Recital
Students from Europe’s leading collaborative chamber music project perform
THU 13 MAR | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET
Thursday Lunchtimes
Kleio Quartet performs Bach and Bartók
THU 13 MAR | 7.30PM | CH | FULL: £13 RNCM Chopin Prize
Finalists from the School of Keyboard Studies showcase their skills in honour of the virtuoso pianist and composer
Pre-show concert: Spotlight: Cardinal Quintet plays Tomasi
6.30PM | CNRR | FREE
Photographer: Robin Clewley
FRI 14 MAR | 7.30PM | CH
FULL, FROM £20
Manchester Collective: SERENITY 2.0*
An eclectic programme that includes Ben Nobuto’s glitched-out collage of frenzied strings, percussion, and samples – plus the composer’s arrangement of Eric Prydz’s house anthem Opus
Pre-show concert:
Spotlight: Two Quartets by Grażyna Bacewicz
6.30PM | CNRR | FREE
SAT 15 MAR | 7.30PM | CH
FULL: £35.75
10cc’s
Graham Gouldman and Heart Full of Songs
The Salford legend and his semiacoustic four-piece band hit the road, promoted by The Gig Cartel
SUN 16 MAR | 2PM | CH | FULL: £13
UNDER-16: £8
RNCM Young Explorers: Space, Stars and Video Games
An interactive programme of video game and space inspired music presented by KNDS Fairey Band, plus a retro games arcade to explore
MON 17 MAR | 1.15PM | CH
FREE, WITH TICKET
Monday Lunchtimes
Duos by Mangani, Mellits, and Bowen
Photo courtesy of Manchester Collective
Photographer: Natalie Argent
THU 20 MAR | 1.15PM | CH
FREE, WITH TICKET
Thursday Lunchtimes
Harp students perform under the direction of Anne-Marie O’Farrell
FRI 21 MAR | 7.30PM | CH | FULL: £22
Manchester Camerata and RNCM present: Dvořák’s
Cello Concerto
Music Director Gábor Takács-Nagy, Principal Cellist Hannah Roberts, and students from the RNCM breathe life into an evening of extraordinary works
SAT 22 MAR | 7.30PM | CH
FULL: £13
RNCM Community Chorus and The Sunday Boys
Our adult chorus from communities across Greater Manchester is joined by Manchester's LGBTQ+ low voice choir to celebrate the wide influences folk music has had on British composers, including Vaughan Williams and Britten
Photographer: Roscoe Rutter
MON 24 MAR | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET
Monday Lunchtimes
Soprano and piano duos by Burleigh and Falla
TUE 25 MAR | 7.30PM | CH
FULL: £22
Jonathan Biss (piano)*
The celebrated and insightful pianist performs a programme of Schubert and Sorey
WED 26 MAR | 6.30PM | CNRR
FULL: £13
Kryštof Kohout (violin) and Findlay Spence (cello)
A double bill of International Artist Diploma recitals including works by Panufnik, Kurtág, MacMillan, and Ravel
Photo courtesy of Manchester Camerata
THU 27 MAR | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET
Thursday Lunchtimes
Chamber music from Silja Trio (Brahms) and Palmieri Piano Quartet (Dora Pejačević)
THU 27 MAR | 7.30PM
VICTORIA BATHS | FULL: £18 RNCM Chamber Choir with Clod Ensemble
Follow the 28 singers of the RNCM Chamber Choir as they move through Manchester’s iconic swimming baths in this immersive performance with interdisciplinary company Clod Ensemble
Photographer: Robin Clewley
FRI 28 MAR | 7.30PM | CH | FULL: £18 RNCM String Orchestra with Henning Kraggerud (director, violin)
Renowned violinist Henning Kraggerud directs a programme to include Grieg, Bach, Boulanger, and his own works
Pre-show concert:
Spotlight: Abbey Road via Oxford Road – The Beatles Re-arranged 6.30PM | CNRR | FREE
SUN 30 MAR | 3PM | T FULL, FROM £26
RNCM Opera
Britten: Owen Wingrave
Also:
TUE 1 APR | 7.30PM
THU 3 APR | 7.30PM SAT 5 APR | 3PM
Originally written for television, Britten’s opera in two acts with libretto by Myfanwy Piper adapts Henry’s James’ haunting story of a pacifist who refuses to follow family tradition and join the army, only to find a worse fate awaits him
Pre-show concert (SUN 30 MAR):
Spotlight: Vaughan Williams’ On Wenlock Edge 2PM | CNRR | FREE
MON 31 MAR | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET
Monday Lunchtimes
Sonatas by Schubert and Harberg
THU 3 APR | 1.15PM | CH
FREE, WITH TICKET
Thursday Lunchtimes
Rob Buckland directs the RNCM Saxophones
FRI 4 APR | 7.30PM | CH
FULL: £13
RNCM MIUAWGA Ensemble with Fred Thomas (piano)
The ‘make-it-up-as-we-go-along’ performers present an outstanding show of improvised music, joined by multi-instrumentalist Fred Thomas
Pre-show concert:
Spotlight:
A Night at the Cabaret 6.30PM | CNRR | FREE
SUN 6 APR | 4PM | CH
FULL: £21
Belshazzar’s Feast
Walton’s cantata, promoted by Salford Choral Society and Oldham Choral Society
TUE 8 APR | 7.45PM | CH
FULL: £47.30; VIP: £126.40
John Lodge
Classic hits from the Moody Blues man, promoted by Triple A Entertainment
THU 10 APR | DOORS 7PM | T
FULL, FROM £27.50
Country Hits Live
Favourites from country music greats Cash, Parton, Combs, Swift and more, promoted by Senbla
SAT 12 – SUN 13 APR | FROM 9AM CH & T | FULL: £10, FAMILY: £30
National Concert Band Festival
Celebrating UK wind and jazz bands, promoted by NCBF
TUE 22 APR | DOORS 7PM | CH
FULL, FROM £32.45
Mary Coughlan
The revered Irish musician marks 40 years in music, promoted by Glasswerk
SUN 27 APR | 7.30PM | T
FULL, FROM £16.60
Neil Cowley Trio
Back together following a seven-year hiatus, promoted by Serious
Photo courtesy of Mary Coughlan
RNCM MEMBERSHIP
As an RNCM Member, you can enjoy unparalleled performances by our students, alumni, artists-in-residence, and partners from across the globe.
For just £35 a year, members get access to half price and discounted tickets, special offers on food and drink, invitations to exclusive events, and more.
RNCM FUNDRAISING GALA
FRI 7 MAR | 2025
A special evening of food, drink and music, raising vital funds to break down barriers to music education.
To find out more visit rncm.ac.uk/gala2025.
BOOK ONLINE
Buy tickets on our website 24/7, or via 0161 907 5555 on Mondays and Thursdays, 2-5pm (exc. bank holidays and the Christmas period). Accessible seating (with Essential Companion) is available in all venues.
DISCOUNTED TICKETS
Group, Multibuy, and Student/Under 26 discounted tickets are available for some shows – see individual listings online.
RELAXED PERFORMANCES
Our relaxed performances on Thu 30 Jan are designed to welcome all audiences, especially those who identify as neurodivergent, or anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. For further information, please visit rncm.ac.uk/access
Join Today
Photographer: Natalie Argent
Photographer: Robin Clewley
RNCM On the Road
RNCM On the Road is a series of free, walk-in concerts around the region performed by student musicians, bringing the music closer to you.
Complementing this series, our Popular Music students perform across the city, from The Lion's Den New Artist Showcase to headlining Night & Day Café. Catch our pianists every Saturday at Band on the Wall’s Piano Sessions.
Follow us on Instagram at @rncmlive for announcements and updates.
ST ANN’S CHURCH
MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE
WED 8 JAN | 1PM
Cici Shi (piano) | The Emerz Quartet
WED 5 FEB | 1PM
Georgy Stepanov (piano) | Josh McKeague (trumpet) and Oliver Bullock (organ)
WED 5 MAR | 1PM
Zhongrui Tu (piano) | Audrey Doyle (violin) and Tsukushi Mitsuda (piano)
THE WHITWORTH
OXFORD ROAD
SUN 2 FEB | 3PM
Contigo Saxophone Duo
SUN 16 FEB | 3PM
Kimberly Wong and Yaxin Fang (harps)
SUN 9 MAR | 3PM
Sakura Drops Duo (euphonium and percussion)
EMMANUEL CHURCH
DIDSBURY
SAT 11 JAN | 11AM
Hwan Hee Kim (piano) | InslideOut Trombone Quartet
SAT 1 FEB | 11AM
Caiwei Luo (oboe) | Quartet Tesni
SAT 1 MAR | 11AM
Music by RNCM Composers
SAT 15 MAR | 11AM
Solasta Saxophone Quartet | Misha Tyshkul (piano)
SAT 29 MAR | 11AM
Ardentia Piano Trio | Amy Naddermier (piccolo)
Deep Dive: RNCM International Brass Band Festival
The RNCM International Brass Band Festival (IBFF) is a premier stage for the world’s leading brass band musicians and has celebrated the finest repertoire crafted for the genre since 2004. In 2025, the festival honours its founding director, composer Edward Gregson, and celebrates his profound impact on the world of wind and brass.
Gregson has composed orchestral, chamber, instrumental, vocal, and choral music and his work appears across the schedule –beginning with the world première of Tenor Horn Concerto: Three Gods performed by Foden’s Band with virtuoso player Tim de Maeseneer Tredegar Town Band, Junior RNCM Brass Band, Black Dyke Band, Cory Band, Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band, and the senior RNCM Brass Band conducted by alumna Katrina Marzella-Wheeler will honour his music, too.
America’s pioneering all-female ensemble Athena Brass Band makes its festival début with a programme that spotlights women composers worldwide, including a piece by RNCM alumna Lucy Pankhurst called Ghosts of Industry Continuing a strong tradition of premièring brass band music, there are first performances of Ed de Boer’s Homage to Julian Assange, Elisabeth Vannebo’s Elektrodesign, and a new work from Andrea Price.
Fri 24 - Sun 26 Jan
Various times / Venues
Individual performances from £22 (full, concessions from £14, some events free). A 20% discount will be applied at checkout on single transactions of three or more individual IBBF events. T&Cs apply.
NEWS
Director of Brass Band Studies and IBBF Artistic Director since 2024, Dr David Thornton says exciting international artists will now feature in every festival. ‘IBBF continues to be a platform for the highest profile brass band musicians to perform the very best repertoire written for the medium.’
Book Online
FOOD AND DRINK
Our fully accessible RNCM Café Bar serves freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches, and evening meals, as well as takeaway salads, sandwiches, wraps, cakes, and snacks. All our selections include vegan options, and we operate our service in a sustainable, environmentally responsible way. For more information, including opening hours, visit rncm.ac.uk/foodanddrink
Please note: the RNCM is a cashless venue
STUDY HERE
Everyone within the RNCM’s vibrant community plays an essential part in maintaining our status as one of the world’s most exciting and forwardthinking conservatoires and destination of choice for talented young musicians.
To find out more, go to rncm.ac.uk/study
HIRE OUR FACILITIES AND MUSICIANS
Our wide selection of fully accessible, purpose-built spaces are available to hire for every type of event, performance, or conference. We have hosted everyone from Adele and Adam Buxton to Manchester Jazz Festival and Question Time.
For more information, including availability and hire charges, visit rncm.ac.uk/hire.
If you’re interested in booking RNCM musicians for your event, email artistagency@rncm.ac.uk.
GET CLOSER
The RNCM is a registered charity (no. 504949) that thrives on the generosity of philanthropists and sponsors who share our mission.
Get in touch to find out how you can enjoy the benefits of a closer relationship by visiting rncm.ac.uk/support
Photographer: Victoria Haydn
SUN 30 MAR – SAT 5 APR
RNCM Opera Britten: Owen Wingrave
Matinee 3pm Evening 7.30pm
Our new RNCM Opera Circle will play an important role in supporting our productions, and members can enjoy unique opportunities to see behind-the-scenes during the planning and rehearsal process.
To find out more and to join, visit rncm.ac.uk/opera-circle.