Spring 2025 at the RNCM

Spring 2025

at the RNCM

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Partnerships feature in our longrunning immersive days and weekends, too – evident in our

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our many events!

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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.

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‘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

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Jonathan Biss Photographer: Benjamin Ealovega

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RNCM 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.

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.

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).

Back for its 32nd year is our popular Day of Percussion (Sun 9 Feb), our longest running

Book Online 7

LISTINGS | JANUARY

INSPIRATIONAL ARTISTS

DANCE:MUSIC

THU 9 JAN | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET

MON 13 JAN | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET

RNCM Wind, Brass, and Percussion Ensembles perform

Duets for cello and for violin

Thursday Lunchtimes

Monday Lunchtimes THU 16 JAN | VARIOUS TIMES AND VENUES | FREE, WITH TICKET

New Music and Movement In Focus Including: 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 8

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

T - THEATRE | CH - CONCERT HALL | CNRR - CAROLE NASH RECITAL ROOM

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 Photographer: Craig Fuller

4.45PM | T | FREE, WITH TICKET

Black Dyke Band 7.30PM | CH | FULL: £22

WED 22 JAN | 6PM | T FREE, WITH TICKET

Sunday:

RNCM Brass Band

RNCM Opera Scenes

11AM | CH | FULL: £22

Also:

1.30PM | T | FREE, WITH TICKET

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)

Macclesfield Youth Brass Band 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 9

LISTINGS | JANUARY

INSPIRATIONAL ARTISTS

DANCE:MUSIC

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 Photographer: Julie Broadfoot

MON 27 JAN | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET

Monday Lunchtimes

MON 3 FEB | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET

Monday Lunchtimes Music by Bach, Brahms, and Ibert

Piano music by Bridge and Tchaikovsky

MON 3 FEB | 7.30PM | CH | FULL: £22

THU 30 JAN | 1.15PM | CH FREE, WITH TICKET

The virtuoso pianist joins us for our Inspirational Artists season

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

Nobuyuki Tsujii (piano)*

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

FRI 31 JAN | 8PM | CH | FULL: £18

Identity: Who Do You Think You Are?

With Manchester Camerata, Ethan David Loch (piano), and RNCM students

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Photographer: Alexandra Münch

T - THEATRE | CH - CONCERT HALL | CNRR - CAROLE NASH RECITAL ROOM

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

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

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

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

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, LISTINGS | FEBRUARY

INSPIRATIONAL ARTISTS

DANCE:MUSIC

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 Photographer: Steve Pyke

THU 13 FEB | DOORS 7PM | T FULL: £35.20

TUE 25 FEB | 7.30PM | CH | FULL: £13

The band’s 2025 Winter Tour hits Manchester, promoted by Dotted Line

Prestigious annual award in honour of the last Principal of the Royal Manchester College of Music

Fairport Convention

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 12

Violin and piano duos by Brahms and Wieniawski

The Frederic Cox Award for Singing

Pre-show concert:

Spotlight: Piazzolla for Eight Cellos 6.30PM | CNRR | FREE

T - THEATRE | CH - CONCERT HALL | CNRR - CAROLE NASH RECITAL ROOM

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

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 Photo courtesy of Tim Burgess

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

Pre-show concert:

Spotlight: Fushigi (Japanese City Pop Band) 6.30PM | STUDIO 1 | FREE

Photo courtesy of Serious

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, LISTINGS | MARCH

INSPIRATIONAL ARTISTS

DANCE:MUSIC

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

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

RNCM Gospel Choir

Kleio Quartet performs Bach and Bartók

Wayne Ellington directs an inspirational programme of songs

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:

Photographer: Robin Clewley

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Spotlight: Cardinal Quintet plays Tomasi 6.30PM | CNRR | FREE

T - THEATRE | CH - CONCERT HALL | CNRR - CAROLE NASH RECITAL ROOM

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 Photographer: Natalie Argent

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 Photo courtesy of Manchester Collective

Monday Lunchtimes Duos by Mangani, Mellits, and Bowen 15

, LISTINGS | MARCH

INSPIRATIONAL ARTISTS

DANCE:MUSIC

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

Photo courtesy of Manchester Camerata

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)

Photographer: Roscoe Rutter

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A double bill of International Artist Diploma recitals including works by Panufnik, Kurtág, MacMillan, and Ravel

T - THEATRE | CH - CONCERT HALL | CNRR - CAROLE NASH RECITAL ROOM

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

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 Photographer: Robin Clewley

Sonatas by Schubert and Harberg

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, LISTINGS | APRIL

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

INSPIRATIONAL ARTISTS

DANCE:MUSIC

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

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

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Photo courtesy of Mary Coughlan

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

T - THEATRE | CH - CONCERT HALL | CNRR - CAROLE NASH RECITAL ROOM

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.

Join Today Photographer: Natalie Argent

BOOK ONLINE

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.

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

Photographer: Robin Clewley

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.

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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

EMMANUEL CHURCH

MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE

DIDSBURY

WED 8 JAN | 1PM

SAT 11 JAN | 11AM

WED 5 FEB | 1PM

SAT 1 FEB | 11AM

Cici Shi (piano) | The Emerz Quartet 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) 20

Hwan Hee Kim (piano) | InslideOut Trombone Quartet 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.’

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Discover the RNCM

FOOD AND DRINK

GET CLOSER

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Photographer: Victoria Haydn

HIRE OUR FACILITIES AND MUSICIANS

SUN 30 MAR – SAT 5 APR

RNCM Opera Britten: Owen Wingrave Matinee 3pm Evening 7.30pm Book Online

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.

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box.office@rncm.ac.uk | 0161 907 5555 Phone lines open Mondays and Thursdays between 2pm and 5pm rncm.ac.uk 124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD

Artists and programmes are correct at the time of going to press and we reserve the right to change artists and/or programmes without notice if necessary.