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, Manchester Camarata, BBC Philharmonic, Chamber music, RNCM Christmas Family Day, Justin Hawkins Rides Again, Cabaret Extreme, and Coleen Nolan. 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, Manchester Camarata, BBC Philharmonic, Chamber music, RNCM Christmas Family Day, Justin Hawkins Rides Again, Cabaret Extreme, and Coleen Nolan. 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
RNCM Big Band with Zoe Rahman (piano)
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 25 June 2026
AboutOne of the most exciting artists on the contemporary jazz scene, the multi award-winning Zoe Rahman is known for her powerful playing and distinct compositional voice. Her unique musical background, grounded in classical training, cou...Spotlight: The Rebirth of Language
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 25 June 2026
ProgrammeKuba Williams New WorkPerformersEirwen Roberts?voiceJacob Wright?violinCara Smith?clarinetRoisin Fleming?pianoAboutA song cycle composed by RNCM Gold Medal winner Kuba Williams, this new work explores the brief friendship between ...Tchaikovsky Symphony No 6
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 26 June 2026
ProgrammeMel Bonis Oph?lie Op 165Emily Dunbar New work*Sergei Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Op 43Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony No 6 in B minor Op 74 ?Path?tique?PerformersClemens Schuldt, Jasper Lecon* conductorsLiana Sto...Wigan Music Service
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 28 June 2026
Programme to include:Joseph Suk Serenade for Strings in E flat major Op 6 (selections)Joseph Haydn Violin Concerto No 1 in C major (Allegro moderato) *Antonio Vivaldi Concerto for Two Cellos in G minor (Allegro) ^PerformersMegan Chadderton...RNCM Community Opera: The Water Mark
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 1 - Thursday 2 July 2026
PerformersJonathan Ainscough directorKate Pearson composerDavid Cane musical directorRNCM Community ChorusBenchill Primary SchoolCompany ChameleonThe Socialite ChoirChorus of OthersAboutWe?re thrilled to announce our second Community Opera...Amplified: Music of Protest
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 4 July 2026
AboutSave the date! RNCM musicians transform the People?s History Museum into a living soundscape of protest, premiering powerful new music inspired by the Museum?s collection. This exciting project is still unfolding. Watch this space as ...Shockout Presents : Cut from the Drapes
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 15 - Thursday 16 July 2026
AboutCut From the Drapes?is the Shockout Graduate Showcase 2026, a dynamic evening of movement that brings together the graduating class of 2026 alongside students from across the school. Featuring original works created in collaboration w...Ballet of Lights - Sleeping Beauty
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 13 September 2026
Step into a world where light and dance intertwine in this breathtaking retelling of Sleeping Beauty. As dancers glide across the stage, their illuminated costumes create a dazzling display of colour and light, making every twirl and leap...The Only King
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 18 - Sunday 20 September 2026
AboutThe Only King is acclaimed as the first original Cantonese biblical musical to present the story of the Book of 1 Samuel in its entirety. The production follows the life of King Saul, from his anointing and rise to the throne to his g...Mike Rice
RNCM Theatre
Sunday 27 September 2026
There's a cruelty to Mike Rice, a wickedness. In his latest show, Cruel Little Man, the Irish stand-up talks about doing psychedelics with his brother, an entanglement with a Spanish Sausage Dog named Nino, and many other such rotten adven...Marina Hyde
RNCM Theatre
Monday 28 September 2026
Join Marina Hyde as she discusses her brand new book (Ticket + Discounted book packages are available). What a Time to be Alive! So lettuce remember Liz Truss, relive the last days of the Tories, meet the guy they called No-Drama Starmer,...Manchester Literature Festival presents An Evening with Marina…
RNCM, Manchester
Monday 28 September 2026
AboutBritain?s favourite columnist and bestselling author, Marina Hyde comes to Manchester Literature Festival to celebrate her new book, What a Time to Be Alive! Scenes from a Strange Age. This wildly funny collection showcases the award-...Manchester Camerata x RNCM: Beethoven's Eroica
RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 29 September 2026
ProgrammeArthur Feder Homestead (UK premiere)Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme Op 33*Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No 3 in E flat major ?Eroica?PerformersJacobus de Jager conductorChloe Chen celloManchester CamerataAbou...The Ultimate Classic Rock Show
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 3 October 2026
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 ...Lee Harris: The Oneness Experience
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 4 October 2026
PerformersLee Harris speaker and vocalsDavor Bozin keyboard, percussion, and vocalsAboutStep into an extraordinary evening of inspiration, transformation, and music with internationally acclaimed teacher, channeler, and musician?Lee Harris...
Devin Townsend
RNCM Theatre
Monday 5 October 2026
Canadian progressive metal singer and guitarist Devin Townsend has been referred to in the rock press as a "multi-everythingist"; in addition to being a celebrated instrumentalist, he is a composer, producer, arranger, and bandleader who h...Vittorio Angelone
RNCM Theatre
Thursday 8 October 2026
Viral sensation and all round great guy Vittorio Angelone has always denied any involvement in stand-up comedy or stand-up comedy related activities. Despite this, after two completely sold-out tours in 2023 and 2024 - with over 100 packed...Eddi Reader (Fairground Attraction)
RNCM Concert Hall
Thursday 8 October 2026
The supremely talented, unique and charismatic triple BRIT award-winning Scottish folk pop singer delivers the most consistently beautiful, often deeply personal and intimate songs, including the charming acoustic pop of 1988 chart-topper ...Manchester Collective and Sidiki Dembélé: Constellations
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 9 October 2026
ProgrammeHenry Purcell Selection from The Fairy QueenKevin Volans Selection from String Quartet No 2 ?Hunting, Gathering?Sidiki Demb?l? Traditional songJohnny Faa TraditionalSidiki Demb?l? Traditional songNwando Ebizie New work (world prem...Russell T Davies & Bernardine Evaristo
RNCM Concert Hall
Sunday 11 October 2026
An evening with one of Britain's most influential television writers as Russell T Davies joins Bernadine Evaristo to discuss his forthcoming memoir and how his extraordinary work has transformed the landscape of modern television. Pass...An Evening with Russell T Davies & Bernardine Evaristo
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 11 October 2026
An evening with one of Britain?s most influential television writers as Russell T Davies joins Bernadine Evaristo to discuss his forthcoming memoir and how his extraordinary work has transformed the landscape of modern television. Passion...Chiaroscuro Quartet
RNCM, Manchester
Monday 12 October 2026
ProgrammeJoseph?Haydn?String Quartet in G minor Op?20 No?3Joseph?Haydn?String Quartet in A major Op?20?No?6Ludwig van?Beethoven?String Quartet in A minor Op?132PerformersChiaroscuro Quartet:Alina Ibragimova,?Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux?violi...Big Big Train
RNCM Theatre
Tuesday 13 October 2026
Following the tragic death of lead vocalist David Longdon in 2021, the award-winning British progressive rock band Big Big Train take to the stage with new frontman Alberto Bravin (ex-PFM). Formed in Bournemouth in 1990, they have retain...BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 16 October 2026 - Friday 7 May 2027
ProgrammeWilliam Byrd Christe qui lux es et diesErrollyn Wallen PhotographyBenjamin Britten Les IlluminationsEdmund Finnis Hymn (after Byrd)Tom Coult Black Shuck LamentMichael Tippett Fantasia Concertante on a theme of CorelliPerformersBBC...Gareth Malone - Sing-along-a-Gareth
RNCM Concert Hall
Saturday 17 October 2026
It's time to lift our voices once more as Gareth Malone, together with his band and a group of stellar singers, guides us through an evening of song. Featuring the tunes he's performed over the last 15 years on television, this feel-go...Country Hits Live
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 17 October 2026
Transporting you right into the heart of downtown Nashville. Performed by a cast of multi award-winning musicians and singers, fronted by Yorkshire Country singer Jade Helliwell and, direct from Nashville, Lars Pluto, Country Hits Live ce...Gareth Malone
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 17 October 2026
On sale Wed 17 Jun at 10 amAboutAn immersive celebration of the greatest songs from the movies and the joy of singing together. Gareth Malone ? the man who got the nation singing ? is back on the road this autumn with Sing-A-Long-A-Gareth:...RNCM Young Explorers - Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes Part 2
RNCM Concert Hall
Sunday 18 October 2026
Get ready for an adventure full of twists, turns, and tall tales. This interactive family-friendly afternoon combines live orchestral music with the mischievous imagination of Roald Dahl. Settle into an exciting performance from RNCM music...Red Hot Chilli Pipers
RNCM Theatre
Sunday 18 October 2026
There has never been anything quite like The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, who over the past fifteen years have become the most famous bagpipe band on the planet... ever! Bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent and a show that carrie...RNCM Young Explorers: Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes Part…
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 18 October 2026
PerformersChris Binns, Juan Jose Munoz Borja, Katherine Stonham, Rui Ma conductorsAboutGet ready for an adventure full of twists, turns, and tall tales. Our interactive family-friendly afternoon combines live orchestral music with the misc...
Elif Shafak
RNCM Theatre
Sunday 25 October 2026
One of today's most influential and much-loved literary voices, internationally-acclaimed novelist Elif Shafak returns to celebrate her extraordinary new novel, In One Brief Moment All Eternity. Spanning decades and continents, from ...Tiffany Poon (piano)
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 28 October 2026
ProgrammeTo include:Music by Alkan, Debussy, Rameau & Ravel (from her Nature album)PerformersTiffany Poon pianoAboutThe American pianist makes her Manchester debut performing selections from her critically acclaimed album Nature. Tiffany P...RNCM Session Orchestra - Feel the Fever: An Evening of Disco
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 31 October 2026
Feel the pulse of the dance floor as the RNCM Session Orchestra transforms electrifying disco anthems into powerful orchestral creations. Iconic tracks from artists like Chic, Gloria Gaynor, and Diana Ross take on a new dimension, skilfull...RNCM Symphony Orchestra - Shostakovich Symphony No 5
RNCM Concert Hall
Friday 6 November 2026
Expect drama, high emotion, and expansive sounds as Halle Principal Conductor Kahchun Wong conducts the RNCM Symphony Orchestra. The concert also features soprano soloist Esther Shea and the world premiere of a new work by RNCM composer Am...Joan As Police Woman
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 7 November 2026
Described by The Guardian as having "a voice so wondrous and moving that it makes everyone else's seem ordinary and mundane", highly acclaimed Connecticut songwriter Joan Wasser returns to Europe performing key songs from throughout her c...
Salford Choral Society Presents Fauré's requiem
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 7 November 2026
ProgrammeGabriel Faur? Requiem in D minor Op 48Ralph Vaughan Williams Five Mystical SongsBenjamin Britten Jubilate DeoPerformersGary Hulme organTom Newall conductor Salford Choral Society????????????? AboutExperience the beauty of Faur??s ...Emma Rawicz (saxophone) and Gwilym Simcock (piano)
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 8 November 2026
PerformersEmma Rawicz saxophoneGwilym Simcock pianoAboutSaxophonist and composer Emma Rawicz joins pianist and composer Gwilym Simcock in a new collaboration that?s already making waves in the jazz scene. The duo brings a mix of original m...Altrincham Choral Society Presents Bernstein's Chichester Psalms
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 14 November 2026
?On sale Tue 7 Jul 2026 at 10amProgrammeJoseph Jongen Mass Op 130Edward Gregson Make a Joyful NoiseLeonard Bernstein Chichester PsalmsPerformersJonathan Scott organSteven Roberts conductorSalford Choral SocietyCarlton Main Frickley Collier...Susan Bullock (soprano) and Jonathan Fisher (piano)
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 19 November 2026
ProgrammeTo include:Richard?Wagner?Wesendonck LiederAlban Berg?Seven?Early SongsHenri?Duparc?L?invitation au voyage; Chanson triste; Phidyl?Alison Bauld?Banquo?s BuriedPerformersSusan Bullock sopranoJonathan Fisher pianoAboutCheshire-born ...Paraorchestra: Steve Reich's Music for 18 Musicians
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 27 November 2026
ProgrammeSteve Reich Music for 18 MusiciansPerformersCharles Hazlewood and Faye Stoeser directorsParaorchestraAboutExperience Steve Reich?s minimalist masterpiece performed by the virtuoso players of Paraorchestra. Music for 18 Musicians w...Salford Choral Society Presents Handel's Messiah
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 12 December 2026
ProgrammeGeorge Frideric Handel Messiah HWV 56PerformersRachel Abbot sopranoEmily Howard mezzo-sopranoJay Broadhurst tenorJames Connolly bassTom Newall conductorSalford Choral Society????????????? Baroque in The North AboutDon?t miss this ...Paul Lewis (piano)
RNCM, Manchester
Monday 11 January 2027
ProgrammeWolfgang Amadeus Mozart?Piano Sonata No 17 in B flat major K?570Franz Schubert?3?Klavierst?cke?D?946?Fr?d?ric?Chopin?Polonaise No 1 in C sharp minor Op?26?No?1Fr?d?ric?Chopin?Nocturnes Op?32Wolfgang Amadeus?Mozart?Piano Sonata?No?...Manchester Collective: Glass Reframed I
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 5 February 2027
ProgrammeHymn arr Rylan Gleave Kyrie EleisonPhilip Glass String Quartet No 1: Part 2Rylan Gleave New work (world premi?re)Edmund Finnis Devotions (String Quartet No 3)Philip Glass String Quartet No 5PerformersRylan Gleave vocalsManchester ...Colin Currie Quartet: Steve Reich Celebration
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 14 February 2027
ProgrammeSteve Reich Clapping MusicSteve Reich Nagoya MarimbasAileen Sweeney StarburstSteve Reich Mallet QuartetSteve Reich Drumming [Part 1]Julia Wolfe Dark Full RidePerformersColin Currie Quartet:Colin Currie, Owen Gunnell, Adrian Spille...
Cabaret Extreme
RNCM, Manchester
Monday 15 February 2027
AboutFrom the creative visionaries behind the world?s most iconic circuses comes?CABARET EXTREME?a beautifully bizarre blend of burlesque, daring drag, extreme stunts, and contemporary circus. This one-of-a-kind production reimagines enter...The Vintage Explosion
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 20 February 2027
The Vintage Explosion, the sensational 50's inspired Rock n Roll band have secured two No.1 albums on the Worldwide iTunes Blues Album Chart and an impressive No.3 placement on the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart. Additionally, their outs...Sterling Elliott (cello) and Joseph Havlat (piano)
RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 23 February 2027
ProgrammeMaurice Ravel Violin Sonata in A minor ?Sonate posthume? (arr for cello and piano)Tomeka Reid New commissionRichard Strauss Cello Sonata in F major Op 6PerformersSterling Elliott celloJoseph Havlat pianoAboutAcclaimed for his stel...Elena Urioste (violin) and Tom Poster (piano)
RNCM, Manchester
Monday 8 March 2027
ProgrammeTo include:Fritz Kreisler?Selected miniaturesJessie Montgomery?PeaceDora Peja?evi? Violin Sonata in D majorAnton?n Dvo??k?Violin Sonata in F majorPlus selections from the audience?PerformersElena Urioste violinTom Poster pianoAbou...Marcin Dylla (guitar)
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 17 March 2027
ProgrammeTo include:Joaquin Rodrigo Invocacion y DanzaManuel Maria Ponce Sonata rom?nticaPerformersMarcin Dylla guitar AboutHailed by The Washington Post as ?among the most gifted guitarists on the planet?, Marcin Dylla is considered by cr...MILOŠ
RNCM Concert Hall
Monday 22 March 2027
Born in Montenegro, Milos Karadaglic is one of the world's most celebrated classical guitarists. His career began its meteoric rise in 2011, with the release of his international best-selling Deutsche Grammophon debut album Mediterraneo. ...Louise Redknapp
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 10 April 2027
Pop icon Louise Redknapp announces her first tour in eight years, the hugely anticipated 'Naked // Confessions Tour 2027'. The tour marks 30 years since the release of her platinum selling debut solo album Naked and also celebrates the s...Solem Quartet: Industry
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 5 May 2027
ProgrammePart 1: work, industryWilliam Marsey Industry chorale i (new work)soundscapeTraditional arr Tress Ca? the YowesTraditional arr Marsey The Water of Tynearchive: Scottish women?s Waulking songBenjamin Britten Quartet No 2 (2nd movem...Ian Gillan (Deep Purple)
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 9 May 2027
This very special series of live speaking events from Dep Purple frontman Ian Gillan will allow audiences to hear personal stories from his remarkable life and career in music. From his childhood in Hounslow to the global rise of Deep Purp...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.
Most Popular Shows and Events at RNCM, Manchester
