WHAT'S ON AT THE RNCM, MANCHESTER
What's On at the RNCM, Manchester
RNCM – The Royal Northern College Of Music is a conservatoire of The Royal Schools Of Music based in Manchester. As well as an education establishment, it also houses two venues. With a history dating back to the 1800’s, its current home on Oxford Road Manchester opened in 1973, with a refurbishment of the concert hall completing in 2014.
RNCM Concert Hall (capacity 443 - 710) and the RNCM Theatre (capacity approx. 600) have hosted many professional artists and organisations including Adele, BC Big Band, English Youth Ballet, Hugh Laurie, Jarvis Cocker, Manchester Jazz Festival, Rob Brydon and even Question Time.
RNCM has music programmes and series, shows, events, festivals, productions, concerts, comedy and ballets to look forward to including regular Monday and Thursday lunchtime showcase, Tom Mcrae, Will Young, Hugh & Cry, Manchester Camarata, Chamber music, RNCM’s Christmas family day with Stick Man, and concerts featuring the music of Beethoven, Dvorak, Ravel, and Holst. See what's on at the RNCM below and book tickets online.
RNCM – The Royal Northern College Of Music is a conservatoire of The Royal Schools Of Music based in Manchester. As well as an education establishment, it also houses two venues. With a history dating back to the 1800’s, its current home on Oxford Road Manchester opened in 1973, with a refurbishment of the concert hall completing in 2014.
RNCM Concert Hall (capacity 443 - 710) and the RNCM Theatre (capacity approx. 600) have hosted many professional artists and organisations including Adele, BC Big Band, English Youth Ballet, Hugh Laurie, Jarvis Cocker, Manchester Jazz Festival, Rob Brydon and even Question Time.
RNCM has music programmes and series, shows, events, festivals, productions, concerts, comedy and ballets to look forward to including regular Monday and Thursday lunchtime showcase, Tom Mcrae, Will Young, Hugh & Cry, Manchester Camarata, Chamber music, RNCM’s Christmas family day with Stick Man, and concerts featuring the music of Beethoven, Dvorak, Ravel, and Holst. See what's on at the RNCM below and book tickets online.
Most Popular Shows and Events at RNCM, Manchester
What's On at the RNCM, Manchester
National Concert Band Festival
RNCM Various Venues
Sunday 13 April 2025
 The National Concert Band Festival is the largest, most active festival for musicians who play in wind bands & big bands in the UK. The organisation aims to provide unique performing opportunities in a friendly, welcoming and musically e...National Concert Band Festival
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 13 April 2025
Save the date!The National Concert Band Festival is largest, most active festival for musicians who play in wind bands & big bands in the UK. Full details will be announced soon.?Promoted by NCBF. ...Mary Coughlan
RNCM Concert Hall
Tuesday 22 April 2025
Since she rose to international fame in 1985 with her seminal Irish jazz album Tired and Emotional, Mary Coughlan has been one wild Irish girl determined to live a life less ordinary. A prolific artist by anyone's standards, Coughlan is ce...Shockout BTEC Showcase 2025
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 24 - Friday 25 April 2025
Join us for an electrifying evening as Shockout?s talented BTEC students take the stage at the Shockout BTEC Showcase! Experience a dynamic fusion of dance, music, and creativity, as Shockout?s ?students showcase their skills, passion, and ...World Comedy Clash
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 26 April 2025
 London's number 1 original and longest running comedy clash show takes to the road by popular demand with a star-studded, action-packed line up: Kojo Anim (Ghana)Aurie Styla (Jamaica)Quincy (Barbados)Dana Alexander (Canada)Wilson (E...Neil Cowley Trio
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 27 April 2025
Unpausing of the PauseThe Neil Cowley Trio reunite to perform their first live show together in 7 years. They present music from their outstanding brand-new album, Entity, alongside some fan-favourite Cowley classics. In 2006 the Neil Cowle...RNCM Brand New Orchestra
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 30 April 2025
ProgrammeNew works by RNCM StudentsPerformersJasper Lecon, Julius Akira Mauldin, Benjamin Huth, Benjamin Voce conductorsRNCM Brand New OrchestraAboutBrand New Orchestra is where new music takes shape, providing an exciting platform for RNCM...Spotlight: Dag Wirén's Serenade for Strings
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 30 April 2025
ProgrammeAidan Fyfe Concerto for Saxophone and String Orchestra (world premi?re)Dag Wir?n Serenade for StringsPerformersRachael Green saxophoneJack Callaghan, Esther Clay, David Harris, Eleanor Leydecker, Joe Steel violinsSophie Combes, Emi...Heartfelt: Roxanna Panufnik In Focus
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 1 May 2025
ProgrammeRoxanna Panufnik Letters from Burma for oboe and string quartetRoxanna Panufnik Kyrie after Byrd; O Hearken; Love Endureth; Celestial Bird for chamber choirRoxanna Panufnik All Shall Be Well for cello and chamber choirYelin Zhou Ne...In Conversation: Roxanna Panufnik In Focus
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 1 May 2025
AboutPart of our In Focus series, inviting trailblazing composers to the RNCM. Behind the scenes, they work closely with our students, culminating in a compelling day of performances. This Summer we?re delighted to welcome Roxanna Panufnik....Thursday Lunchtimes: Roxanna Panufnik In Focus
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 1 May 2025
ProgrammeRoxanna Panufnik Babylonia for solo pianoRoxanna Panufnik A Wind at Rook?s Haven for solo fluteRoxanna Panufnik Mine Eye; Sweet Love Remember?d for mezzo-soprano and pianoHaodong Wang New work for solo fluteRoxanna Panufnik Hora Be...Scottish Ensemble: Impulse - Music in Motion
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 2 May 2025
ProgrammePiotr Illyich Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings in C major Op 48Dmitri Shostakovich arr Rudolph Barshai Chamber Symphony in C minor Op 110a (String Quartet No 8)PerformersScottish EnsembleAboutPart of our new Inspirational Artists s...Spotlight: Olivier Messiaen's Harawi
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 2 May 2025
ProgrammeOlivier Messiaen Selections from HarawiPerformersIsobel Archer pianoGabriela Comeau Gort sopranoEllena Hicks sopranoKatrina Mackenzie sopranoTessa Tang sopranoAboutHarawi is Olivier Messiaen?s last song cycle. Its enchanting harmon...Brian Bilston & Henry Normal
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 3 May 2025
Brian Bilston has been described as the Banksy of poetry and Twitter's unofficial Poet Laureate; with over 400,000 followers on social media, Brian has become truly beloved by the online community. He has published several collections of po...Macclesfield Youth Brass Band 20th Anniversary Concert
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 3 May 2025
On sale Monday 17 March 2025 @10AM Come along and join the Macclesfield Youth Brass Band (MYBB) for a very special evening as they mark 20 years! With over 120 members, MYBB is a dynamic organisation run entirely by volunteers who are deter...
Northern School of Dance and Theatre - The Greatest Show On Earth
RNCM Theatre
Sunday 4 May 2025
Northern School of Dance and Theatre present their annual show The Greatest Show on Earth. Â ...Tony Ann
RNCM Theatre
Sunday 11 May 2025
Tony Ann is a virtuoso solo pianist from Canada who seamlessly blends contemporary and classical styles. As a harmony connoisseur, Tony pushes the limits of neoclassical and popular music, crafting emotionally rich compositions using the fu...Yazz Ahmed
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 17 May 2025
Through her music, British-Bahraini trumpet player Yazz Ahmed seeks to blur the lines between jazz and electronic sound design, bringing together the sounds of her mixed heritage in what has been described as 'psychedelic Arabic jazz, intox...John Helliwell's Super Big Tramp Band
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 24 May 2025
Supertramp's John Helliwell is known for his classy, distinctive, cool saxophone playing and famously dry wit, a stunning big band and the unforgettable music of this legendary supergroup - touring possibly for the last time, as the eternal...The Ultimate Classic Rock Show
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 31 May 2025
Dust off your air guitars for an evening of the very best classic rock anthems from legends past and present! Let The Ultimate Classic Rock Show take you on a roller coaster journey of classic rock nostalgia. Performing hit after hit live w...RNCM Opera Scenes
RNCM Theatre
Thursday 5 - Thursday 19 June 2025
FREE EVENT. RNCM vocal and conducting students present excerpts from some of opera's greatest moments in this free series of staged scenes. A perfect way to feed your curiosity! Click on tickets link for the perfromers and excerpts presente...Ballet of Lights - Peter Pan in a Sparkling Show
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 7 June 2025
Experience Peter Pan reimagined with Ballet of Lights. Six local dancers in illuminated costumes bring this classic story to life through dance, light, and colour. Join Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, and the Darling children on a magical journey t...RNCM Brass Band
RNCM Concert Hall
Thursday 12 June 2025
Established during the 1990s by brass innovator Howard Snell, the RNCM Brass Band has always been a flagship ensemble of the institution. Geographically the RNCM is ideally placed in Manchester for brass band students and it boasts a teachi...RNCM Wind Orchestra: Dances with Winds
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 13 June 2025
ProgrammeKenneth Hesketh DanceriesBrett Miller New work *Luis Serrano Alarc?n DuendeJohn Corigliano Gazebo Dances ^Florencio You New workAdam Gorb Yiddish DancesPerformersMark Heron, Felicity Cliffe *, Hannah Trudgeon ^, Trevor Naughton ^ c...Spotlight: Ethel Smyth's String Quintet
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 13 June 2025
ProgrammeEthel Smyth String Quintet in E majorPerformersCharlotte Sweeney, Emily Ampt violinsHannah Borlase violaRebekah Clarke, Elena Edwards cellosAboutListed as Opus 1 in her catalogue of music, Ethel Smyth?s String Quintet in E major is...RNCM Session Orchestra: Original Artists Edition
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 14 June 2025
PerformersAndy Stott directorSteph Godwin assistant conductorRNCM Session EnsembleAboutEnjoy an unrivalled evening in the city as we present the next generation of artists and their original music with live orchestra. We?re thrilled to show...Spotlight: Suit Up Barbershop Quartet
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 14 June 2025
ProgrammeAndrew E Hall My EvalineJason Keyes arr Anne Raugh ShboomBee Gees arr Johnny Derbyshire How Deep Is Your LoveJames Van Heusen arr Kevin Keller Come Fly With MeBob Wright and Chet Forest It?s A Blue WorldLuther Vandross arr Theo Hic...RNCM Young Explorers: Dancing Divas and Singing Superstars…
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 15 June 2025
Aspiring young pop stars can take part in two pre-show workshops, designed to complement the Young Explorers experience. Our Popular Music students will share tricks of the trade, helping young artists sparkle and find their unique voice. A...RNCM Young Explorers: Queens of Pop
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 15 June 2025
Our Young Explorers series of family-friendly events continues with a celebration of the Queens of Pop! Join the magnificent Untold Orchestra for a high-energy concert featuring chart-topping hits by Taylor Swift, Beyonc?, Sabrina Carpenter...RNCM Christopher Rowland Chamber Ensemble of the Year
RNCM Concert Hall
Monday 16 June 2025
Celebrating chamber music at the RNCM, this annual prize was established in honour of Christopher Rowland, the renowned quartet leader and architect of the college's chamber music department. Experience performances from the leading student...
Spotlight: Cortet Presents ‘Dreams of the Unknown'
RNCM, Manchester
Monday 16 June 2025
ProgrammeElla Laughton New workNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov NotturnoEric Ewazen Myths and LegendsPerformersFinn Smith, Leo Penny, Sami Pang, Jason Cheung french hornsAboutThe French horn group Cortet embarks on an ethereal musical journey, featu...Steven Osborne (piano) with RNCM Pianists
RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 17 June 2025
ProgrammeMaurice Ravel Une barque sur l?oc?an from MiroirsMaurice Ravel La vall?e des cloches from MiroirsMarie Ja?ll Les beaux jours +Maurice Ravel Valses nobles et sentimentales *Maurice Ravel La valse (version for 2 pianos) +Maurice Rave...BBC Philharmonic
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 18 - Friday 20 June 2025
ProgrammeRichard Strauss Die Fledermaus: Overture *Witold Lutos?awski Cello ConcertoCarl Maria von Weber Oberon: Overture +Robert Schumann Manfred: Overture +Paul Hindemith Symphonic Metamorphosis on themes by Weber ^PerformersBenjamin Voce...The Joyce and Michael Kennedy Award for the…
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 18 June 2025
PerformersRNCM Students from the School of Vocal Studies and OperaAboutWe?re delighted to welcome audiences to the Joyce and Michael Kennedy Award for the Singing of Strauss, in which finalists from the School of Vocal Studies and Opera pre...Unbound: Jasdeep Singh Degun (sitar) with Musicians from…
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 19 June 2025
ProgrammeJasdeep Singh Degun:VeerRaag JogOrpheus (excerpt)Raag performanceAbbh?Lament+ RNCM student New work for solo sitarPerformersJasdeep Singh Degun sitarHarkiret Bahra tablaKaviraj Singh santoor, vocalsHannah Trudgeon conductorRNCM Stu...RNCM Gold Medal: Classical Final
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 21 June 2025
AboutThe RNCM Gold Medal celebrates solo performance at its best from the next generation of musicians. Join us for a day of outstanding live music, rounded off with the Winner?s Announcement awarding the College?s most prestigious prize to...RNCM Gold Medal: Composition Final
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 21 June 2025
AboutThe RNCM Gold Medal celebrates new music at its best from the next generation of composers. Join us for a day of outstanding live music, rounded off with the Winner?s Announcement awarding the College?s most prestigious prize to one of...Greater Manchester and Blackburn with Darwen Music Hub…
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 22 June 2025
PerformersGreater Manchester Youth Brass BandGreater Manchester Youth String OrchestraGreater Manchester Youth Wind OrchestraGreater Manchester Youth Show ChoirGreater Manchester Youth Folk EnsembleAboutThe Greater Manchester and Blackburn ...Dangerous Matter: A New Opera on Medicine Memory…
RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 24 June 2025
ProgrammeZakiya Leeming Dangerous MatterPerformersZakiya Leeming composerSam Redway Wells director, dramaturgMelvin Tay conductorRosie Middleton Lady Mary Wortley MontaguRuth Harley Sarah Chiswell / Multi-roleAnkur Dang Princess Caroline / ...Spotlight: Mendelssohn's Octet
RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 24 June 2025
ProgrammeFelix Mendelssohn Octet in E flat major Op 20PerformersDavid Harris, Esther Clay, Joel Hill, Nyra Jain violinsSophie Combes, Alexandra Harrison violasChloe Chen, Abigail Webb cellosAboutA cornerstone of the chamber music repertoire...RNCM Guitars
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 25 June 2025
PerformersCraig Ogden directorRNCM Students from the School of StringsAboutCurated by internationally acclaimed classical guitarist and RNCM Professor Craig Ogden, this evening of performances showcases the artistry of RNCM guitar students....RNCM Big Band with Iain Ballamy (saxophone)
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 26 June 2025
PerformersIain Dixon directorIain Ballamy saxophoneRNCM Big BandAboutListed between Count Basie and Chet Baker in the BBC?s publication 100 Jazz Greats, Iain Ballamy has spent over three decades transcending musical genres, blending strong ...Spotlight: Wind Quintets of the 21st Century
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 26 June 2025
ProgrammeBrian Raphael Nabors Until DawnIvan Trevino Song Book Vol 3PerformersSofiia Matviienko fluteBobby Liu oboeAnthony Arias clarinetLeo Bizzotto bassoonCecily O?Brien hornArthur Barras percussionAboutAurora Winds performs new works for...RNCM Symphony Orchestra
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 28 June 2025
 The Royal Northern College of Music's Symphony Orchestra round off an exceptional year of music making with a celebratory concert at The Bridgewater Hall. Antony Hermus returns to conduct RNCM students in a performance of one of Mahler's...Explore@RNCM
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 29 June 2025
AboutExplore@RNCM returns this June, and we can?t wait to welcome you and your family for a day filled with music, creativity, and shared experiences. Join us in the heart of Manchester for an afternoon bursting with live performances, hand...
Juno Birch
RNCM Theatre
Wednesday 2 July 2025
 Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Juno Birch the absolutely stunning outlandish blue alien who'd love nothing more than to speak to the manager of Earth. Juno travel's the Earth and probes the absurdity of life on this planet, in her...Germaine Kruip - A Possibility
RNCM Theatre
Thursday 17 - Sunday 20 July 2025
A Possibility is a new artwork for the theatre by Dutch artist Germaine Kruip exploring the possibilities of perception, sound and performance. Performed at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), the piece features new compositions by ...Do You Own the Dançefloor? (15) + Q&A
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 30 August 2025
Step back into the legendary world of The Hacienda, the iconic Manchester nightclub that defined an era with this 10th anniversary screening of Do You Own the Dancefloor? featuring special guests and a Q&A. This documentary captures the un...CANCELLED: Do You Own the Dançefloor
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 30 August 2025
We regret to announce that due to unforeseen circumstances, the 10th anniversary screening of Do You Own the Dan?efloor? at the RNCM on Saturday 30 August 2025 has been cancelled, and all tickets will be refunded. Step back into the legenda...No Rolls Barred
RNCM Theatre
Tuesday 9 September 2025
No Rolls Barred is one of the UK's top tabletop channels on YouTube, a bunch of friends and comedians playing board games to show you just how fun board gaming can be. Famous for their regular series' House Rules, Board Game Club and Bl...Luke Morley (Thunder)
RNCM Concert Hall
Thursday 11 September 2025
Luke Morley has stood at the very heart of UK rockers Thunder since 1989 as their guitarist, chief songwriter and producer. He's been a lynchpin in their 14 albums' success and served a crucial role in building up these rock heroes' loyal f...How to get to the RNCM, Manchester
RNCM Frequently Asked Questions
124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD
The two closest public car parks to the RNCM are Booth Street West and Booth Street East.
Visitor parking is available in the RNCM underground carpark weekdays and Saturdays 5pm - 11.30pm and Sundays 6am - 11.30pm.
Please note that general traffic along Oxford Road is no longer permitted to use the route between 6am and 9pm, 7 days a week.
The nearest train station to the RNCM is Manchester Oxford Road and is approximately a 13 minute walk (0.5 miles).
Manchester Piccadilly is 0.8 miles/20 minute walk. Deansgate is 0.9 miles/21 minute walk and Manchester Victoria is 1.5 miles/33 minute walk.
The nearest tram stop to the RNCM is St Peter’s Square and is approximately a 15 minute walk (0.8 miles).
The RNCM Concert Hall has a seating capacity of between 443 - 710 depending on the layout.
The RNCM Theatre has a seating capacity of 600.
Click here for seating plans.
Please contact The RNCM directly. For further information on ticketing, please visit their how to book page.
If you would like to buy a ticket in person from RNCM Box Office, they open one hour prior to the event starting, and can only facilitate in person bookings for the performance showing on the day.
Alternatively, you can see what's on and book online here.
When we know of a duration of a show, we add it to the description of the show on our event pages. For example, on our Wicked event page, after the description of the show we have added the duration of the show in large capital letters. If the time isn't listed, we do not have the information yet. We update our pages daily so it maybe a case of knowing closer to the performance itself, so keep checking.
The RNCM curfew is 11pm. More precise timings are often confirmed close to the performance date.
Please visit the RNCM's Access Page for further information and to find out how to get in touch.
Whether you have positive or negative feedback you would like to feedback to RNCM, please click here for more contact information.
If you have lost an item during a visit to RNCM Manchester, click here to contact the venue.
With loads of great places to eat in Manchester and decent pre-theatre menus, you should check out our Manchester Restaurant site here!
Manchester is full of great bars and pubs and some decent ones close to the venue. Check out our Manchester Bar site here!
Either use the map at the side of the FAQ section as it has all types of accomodation or click here for hotels in Manchester
f you need further information about your visit to The RNCM, click here for further information or contact the RNCM team directly.
Please note that ManchesterTheatres.com isn't the venue itself. We promote what's on at the RNCM and all other venues in Manchester and the local region. Feel free to contact us if you need more help though and we'll do our best to support you.
