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
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...Spotlight: Talking in Circles
RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 29 September 2026
ProgrammeAmit Manna All The Words We Never SaidJessica Meyer Afflicted MantraClaudia Schwab Jodlfunk- da Alma ZuaPerformersJoe Steel violinEmily O?Dell violaAmit Manna composerAboutFeaturing violin, viola, and electronics, this programme i...Meraki Duo
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 1 October 2026
ProgrammeWilliam Grant Still arr Girling Three SongsTo?ru Takemitsu Toward the SeaMiroslav Tadic? Four Macedonian PiecesAstor Piazzolla ?Cafe? 1930? from Histoire Du TangoOlivier Messiaen arr Girling 5 Lec?ons de solfe?ge (movements I, III...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...RNCM Monday Lunchtime Showcase
RNCM Concert Hall
Monday 5 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...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 ...Thursday Lunchtimes: RNCM Chamber Ensemble with RNS Principals
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 8 October 2026
AboutDrop in during your lunch break and discover a wide range of performances for free with our Monday and Thursday Lunchtimes.?TicketsFree admission, ticket requiredPromoted by RNCM. This event will end at approximately 1.55pm? ...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...Spotlight: Brahms' String Sextet No 2 in G…
RNCM, Manchester
Monday 12 October 2026
ProgrammeJohannes Brahms String Sextet No 2 in G major Op 36PerformersDavid Harris, Edward Owen violin?adaoin Drumgoole, Sophie Combes violaTom Ellison, Abigail Webb celloAboutThe Roskat Quartet and Iris Duo join forces to perform Brahms? ...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...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
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...Spotlight: Arcadian Idylls
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 16 October 2026
ProgrammeLudwig van Beethoven String Quartet No 3 in D majorFrank Bridge Three Idylls for String Quartet (movement one)PerformersMicheal Capecchi, Katie Keddy violinUtor Wong violaAmaya Karia celloAboutEnjoy an intimate exploration of conv...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...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...Spotlight: Tarweedah
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 22 October 2026
ProgrammeAhmed Muin The Drone Song Sheel Sheel Ya AjmalReza Vali Calligraphy No llReza Vali Persian Folk Songs Song Nos. l, II, III and IVPatrick Lama Pass?-Pr?sentPerformersCelilo Swain, Finn Anderson-Hendra, Kailie Holliday, Catalina Woo...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...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 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. ...Spotlight: By Candlelight - Ariettes and Romances
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 28 October 2026
ProgrammeClaude Debussy Ariettes oubli?esVincenzo Bellini L?abbandonoVincenzo Bellini Ma rendi pur contentoVincenzo Bellini Malinconia, ninfa gentileGioachino Rossini La pastorella dell?AlpiPerformersRuth Harley sopranoMark Askew harpScott...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...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...Thursday Lunchtimes: An American in Paris
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 29 October 2026
ProgrammeBohuslav Martin? La revue de cuisineGeorge Gershwin An American in Paris (for two pianos and two percussionists)AboutDrop in during your lunch break and discover a wide range of performances for free with our Monday and Thursday L...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...Spotlight: Silver and Gold: Music for Flute and…
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 31 October 2026
ProgrammeJan Bach 2-Bit ContraptionsEric Ewazen Ballade, Pastorale and DanceGeorges Barboteu EsquissePerformersSami Pang hornEleanor Brockett fluteScott Manson pianoAboutJoin us for a light-hearted evening of music with the rare, but colou...Thursday Lunchtimes: Chiarina Trio
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 5 November 2026
ProgrammeJohannes Brahms Piano Trio No 1 in B majorPerformersChiarina Trio:Georgina Bloomfield violinGabriela Peres celloMadeleine Brown pianoAboutDrop in during your lunch break and discover a wide range of performances for free with our ...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...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 (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...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...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...Spotlight: Dreamscapes - Fantasies and Reveries
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 19 November 2026
ProgrammeJohannes Brahms Trio in A minor (movements one and two)Lu?s Ribeiro Noctilucent ReverieWolfram Wagner Fantasiest?ckePerformersLu?s Ribeiro pianoJake Stevens clarinetAndr? Chilio double bassAboutA dreamlike and nocturnal journey fo...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 ...Thursday Lunchtimes: RNCM Chamber Choir
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 19 November 2026
ProgrammeAndrew Balfour Music Is VibrationDaniel Elder MuseRobert A Harris Oh How Can I Keep From Singing?Derri Joseph Lewis Something Exciting ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????...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...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
