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 Research Forum: Expanding the Art Song Canon…
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 14 October 2026
PerformersBronwen Forbay sopranoChristiaan Bester baritoneAboutThis lecture-recital, presented by the authors of Afrikaans Art Song Literature: Translation and Pronunciation Guide (Oxford University Press, 2025), introduces audiences to th...RNCM Brass Band
RNCM Concert Hall
Thursday 15 October 2026
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 teach...BBC Philharmonic Orchestra - British Iconoclasts
RNCM Concert Hall
Friday 16 October 2026 - Friday 7 May 2027
Britten and Tippett shared many traits: both were pacifists; conscientious objectors during the war; homosexuals, at a time when it was publicly outlawed in Britain; and both shared a love of older forms of music. Drawing on one of Corelli...RNCM Spotlight - Arcadian Idylls
Carol Nash Recital Room
Friday 16 October 2026
Enjoy an intimate exploration of conversation and lyricism through Beethoven and Bridge. ...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...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 Monday Lunchtime Showcase
RNCM Concert Hall
Monday 19 October - Monday 14 December 2026
Drop in during your lunch break and discover a wide range of performances for free with the RNCM's Monday and Thursday Lunchtime concerts. Witness the next generation of musicians in this intimate lunchtime solo and chamber music series...Talland Quartet
RNCM Concert Hall
Thursday 22 October 2026
The Talland Quartet formed during their time at the Royal Northern College of Music and are dedicated to sharing their passion for chamber music with others. Named after the serene yet wild Talland Bay in Cornwall, the quartet have won mul...RNCM Spotlight - Tarweedah
Carol Nash Recital Room
Thursday 22 October 2026
Drawing on folk influences, enjoy songs of resistance and joy from Palestine and Iran. ...Manchester Contemporary Orchestra
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 22 October 2026
Programme?liane Radigue Elemental I (electronic work)+ New works by RNCM Composers:PerformersMark Heron, Davide Trolton, Mariacostanza D?Agostino, Reuben Brown, Elisabeth Streichert conductorsManchester Contemporary Orchestra?AboutManchest...Thursday Lunchtimes: Talland Quartet
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 22 October 2026
ProgrammeLuigi Boccherini String Quartet in D MajorP?teris Vasks String Quartet No 6PerformersTalland Quartet:Dylan Edge, Orla McGarrity violinRebecca Stubbs violaNathan Jackson-Turner celloAboutDrop in during your lunch break and discover...Quratulain Balouch
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 24 October 2026
AboutPakistani star Quratulain Balouch delivers an evening of soulful vocals and fusion music with her band, featuring electric, acoustic and bass guitars, flute, drums and percussion.7pm / DoorsTicketsVIP ?110Full Price ?88 / ?60.50 / ?55...DODIE
RNCM Concert Hall
Sunday 25 October 2026
Still in her twenties, Dorothy Clark has already done a lot of living. Some of that has played out online as she made a name for herself as a singer and writer, amassing millions of fans with her disarmingly honest videos and affecting, in...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 ...
RNCM Spotlight - Ariettes and Romances by Candlelight
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 28 October 2026
Under the glow of candlelight, these intimate ariettes and lyrical romances offer tenderness, reflection, and quiet, luminous stillness. ...RNCM Research Forum: Ethics in Artistic Practice Research…
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 28 October 2026
SpeakersDr Lauren Redhead workshop leaderAboutThis interactive sandpit and afternoon workshop brings together artistic practice researchers including PhD students working in sound and music to explore the ethical dimensions of their work. ...RNCM Research Forum: Workshop Afternoon
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 28 October 2026
SpeakersDr Lauren Redhead (Goldsmith, University of London) keynote researcher and workshop leaderDr Scott McLaughlin (University of Leeds), Dr Mira Benjamin (City St George?s, University of London), Prof Wiebke Thorm?hlen (RNCM) curatorsA...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...Thursday Lunchtimes - An American in Paris
RNCM Concert Hall
Thursday 29 October 2026
Drop in during your lunch break and discover a wide range of performances for free with the RNCM's Monday and Thursday Lunchtime concerts. ...Hannah Roberts (cello) and Simon Parkin (piano)
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 29 October 2026
ProgrammeSimon Parkin Three pieces for cello and pianoJ S Bach Goldberg Variations (selected) with jazz repeats by Simon ParkinFrank Bridge Sonata for cello and pianoJ S Bach Goldberg Variations (selected) with jazz repeats by Simon Parkin...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 Spotlight - Silver and Gold: Music for Flute and Horn
Carol Nash Recital Room
Saturday 31 October 2026
Join us for a light-hearted evening of music with the rare, but colourful, combination of horn, flute, and piano. ...An intro to the Nordoff Robbins approach to music therapy Manchester
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 4 November 2026
A four-week evening course with Nordoff and Robbins (held at the RNCM in Manchester) for anyone curious about music therapy, no experience neededCourse information, at a glance:Dates: Wednesday 4 November, Wednesday 11 November, Wednesday ...Chiarina Trio
RNCM Concert Hall
Thursday 5 November 2026
The Chiarina Trio from the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester won second prize at the 2026 Cavatina Intercollegiate Chamber Music Competition Georgina Bloomfield violinGabriela Peres celloMadeleine Brown piano ...mor ve ötesi
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 5 November 2026
On sale Fri 31 Jul 2026 at 10amAboutSince their 1996 debut ?ehir, mor ve ?tesi has shaped the sound of modern Turkish rock. With eight studio albums, iconic anthems like Bir Derdim Var and Cambaz, and a career that includes Eurovision, fil...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...RNCM Spotlight - Hannah Kendall's Rosalind
Carol Nash Recital Room
Friday 6 November 2026
Inspired by Shakespeare, enjoy duets for mezzo-soprano and baritone. ...Spotlight: Hannah Kendall's Rosalind
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 6 November 2026
ProgrammeJohn Ireland Full Fathom FiveRalph Vaughan Williams Dirge for FideleLiza Lehmann How Sweet the MoonlightErnest John Moeran The Lover and his LassHannah Kendall RosalindHere is a spaceAll love is a lunacy?no explanation is neededTa...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 & Gwilym Simcock
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 8 November 2026
The new project bringing together the talents of celebrated Welsh pianist and composer Gwilym Simcock and rising star saxophonist and composer Emma Rawicz. Expect a seamless blend of original music from each of these distinctive composers ...John Butcher (saxophone) and Angharad Davies (violin)
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 8 November 2026
AboutPart of RNCM Saxophone Day. Following the release of their album Two Seasons in October 2025, John Butcher and Angharad Davies push the boundaries of their collaboration, unleashing their formidable improvisatory prowess. Having cross...RNCM Saxophone Day 2026
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 8 November 2026
AboutThe UK?s biggest annual sax gathering returns this Autumn. Whether you?re a student, teacher, seasoned player, or just sax-curious, join us for a high-energy, hands-on day packed with workshops, concerts and performances for all ages ...Trio Abril (feat. Arno Bornkamp)
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 8 November 2026
AboutPart of RNCM Saxophone Day. Trio Abril is a chamber music project co-founded by Juana Palop in 2022 with Arno Bornkamp and pianist Frank van de Laar. The group was born out of a long-standing musical connection with Arno and a shared ...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...Ballet of Lights - Sleeping Beauty
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 15 November 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...RNCM Research Forum: Reviving Past Sounds
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 18 November 2026
PerformersAmanda Babington musetteClaire Babington baroque celloDavid Francis harpsichordMartyn Shaw baroque fluteBart van Troyen musetteAboutJoin researchers from the Royal Northern College of Music (Dr Amanda Babington, Dr Austin Glattho...
RNCM Spotlight - Dreamscapes: Fantasies and Reveries
Carol Nash Recital Room
Thursday 19 November 2026
A dreamlike and nocturnal journey for double bass, clarinet, and piano, enjoy a contemplative moment through the music of Brahms, Luis Ribeiro, and Wagner. ...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 ...The John Barbirolli Memorial Prize for Cello
Carol Nash Recital Room
Tuesday 24 November 2026
This annual prize celebrates solo cello at its best. With past winners including Abel Selaocoe and Mikhail Nemtsov, join us and experience the next generation of cellists. ...RNCM Research Forum - A Mini Symposium organised by Dr Annika Forkert
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 25 November 2026
Our Research Forums provide in-depth insight into some of the cutting-edge research that is taking place at the RNCM. Hear presentations from academics, performers, and composers as they share the latest developments in their fields, discu...Thursday Lunchtimes: Paramount Brass
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 26 November 2026
Programme to includeAndr? Lafosse Suite ImpromptuPerformersLewis Barton, Phoebe Mallinson trumpetSam Froggatt hornNathan Joseph trumpetBen Russon tubaAboutDrop in during your lunch break and discover a wide range of performances for free w...Thursday Lunchtimes: Paramount Brass - Relaxed Performance
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 26 November 2026
Programme to includeAndr? Lafosse Suite ImpromptuPerformersLewis Barton, Phoebe Mallinson trumpetSam Froggatt hornNathan Joseph trumpetBen Russon tubaAboutDrop in during your lunch break and discover a wide range of performances for free w...
RNCM Spotlight - French Palette
Carol Nash Recital Room
Friday 27 November 2026
A vibrant journey through French musical heritage, blending Romantic elegance with contemporary brilliance to showcase the saxophone's technical virtuosity and cultural depth. ...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...RNCM Spotlight - Tchaikovsky: Story of The Nutcracker
Carol Nash Recital Room
Tuesday 1 December 2026
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker in this intimate chamber performance. Enjoy Tchaikovsky's iconic score paired with live narration bringing the holiday classic vividly to life. ...Reich Meredith Bonelli: Flowers in Battle
RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 1 December 2026
ProgrammeAnna Meredith?TuggemoDevon Bonelli?Flowers in Battle (world premiere)Devon Bonelli?sertraline daydreamSteve Reich?Different TrainsPerformersDancers from Company ChameleonMusicians from RNCM?s Emerz Collective:Joe Steel, Emily Harp...Reich Meredith Bonelli: Flowers of Battle
RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 1 December 2026
ProgrammeAnna Meredith?TuggemoDevon Bonelli Flowers of Battle (world premiere)Devon Bonelli?sertraline daydreamSteve Reich?Different TrainsPerformersDancers from Company ChameleonMusicians from RNCM?s Emerz Collective:Joe Steel, Emily Harp...RNCM Research Forum: Opera in Extended Reality
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 2 December 2026
SpeakersToby Young Professor of Composition at the Guildhall School of Music and DramaAboutThis talk explores the interaction between operatic form and XR storytelling, investigating how opera?s heightened affect and sustained emotions can...Thursday Lunchtimes: Strauss Metamorphosen
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 3 December 2026
ProgrammeRichard Strauss MetamorphosenFlorence Price arr Abigail Webb AdorationPerformersLeonard Elschenbroich conductorFinn Anderson-Hendra celloNOVO Quartet and RNCM String Quartet StudioAboutDrop in during your lunch break and discover ...RNCM Wind Orchestra with Peter Moore (trombone)
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 4 December 2026
ProgrammeGunther Schuller Eine Kleine PosaunenmusikRNCM Composer New work^RNCM Composer New work^Kevin Day Symphony No 2Cindy McTee Finish LineIda Gotkovsky P?me du Feu*Jos? Su?er El Jard?n de HeraPerformersBeatriz Fern?ndez Aucejo, Jamie ...The Sing Space Musical Theatre Choir - West End by Candlelight
RNCM Concert Hall
Sunday 6 December 2026
West End By Candlelight features over 200 voices from the Sing Space Musical Theatre Choir, accompanied by piano and string quartet. The event is in support of the charity Music in Mind (charity number: 1169001). 100% of all donations add...Xaverian College Christmas Concert
RNCM Concert Hall
Friday 11 December 2026
With the largest sixth form music department in the North of England, Xaverian College returns to the RNCM for their festive music showcase. ...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 ...Tchaikovsky: Eugene Onegin
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 13 - Saturday 19 December 2026
ProgrammePiotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Eugene OneginCreativesTim Anderson conductorDavide Trolton assistant conductorDaisy Evans directorKat Heath designerJake Wiltshire Lighting designerCastOur cast for this opera will be announced soon. About...Thursday Lunchtimes: Music for Winds by Strauss and…
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 17 December 2026
ProgrammeRichard Strauss Serenade for 13 Winds in E flat majorJoachim Raff Sinfonietta 10 Winds in FPerformersReuben Brown conductorKevin Gowland fluteMusicians from the RNCM School of WindAboutDrop in during your lunch break and discover ...RNCM Spotlight - Feeling Bright Blue
Carol Nash Recital Room
Friday 18 December 2026
The bright blue-sky optimism of Mozart emerges from unexpected depths and oceanic shades from Errollyn Wallen's All the Blues I See. ...RNCM Big Band with Alexandra Ridout (trumpet)
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 18 December 2026
AboutSince winning the coveted BBC Young Musician Jazz Award (2016), Alexandra Ridout has catapulted into a very busy and high-profile jazz career. She?s been named as one of ?London?s most influential people under 25? (Evening Standard, 2...
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
