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, An Evening With Francis Rossi, The Blow Monkeys and The Christians, and The Van Morrison Alumni Band. 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 Young Explorers - Fairytales, Folklore and Fantasy

RNCM Concert Hall
Sunday 12 October 2025
Adventure awaits with an interactive family-friendly afternoon of live orchestral music from How to Train Your Dragon, Peer Gynt, and Sleeping Beauty. But the magic doesn't stop there. Delve into the world classic fairy tales with a hila...Francis Rossi (Status Quo)

RNCM Theatre
Sunday 12 October 2025
Co-founder, lead singer, lead guitarist and the sole continuous member of the legendary rock band Status Quo, Francis Rossi embarks on a solo tour performing fan favourites from a remarkable 50+year career.  Also known as the GOMOR (The...Led by Donkeys

RNCM Theatre
Monday 13 October 2025
From viral billboards to guerrilla projections on Parliament, Led by Donkeys have taken political satire and direct action to a whole new level. Hear the story behind their book, Led by Donkeys: Art, Activism and Accountability - a high-o...RNCM Monday Lunchtime Showcase

RNCM Concert Hall
Monday 13 October - Monday 8 December 2025
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,...Manchester Contemporary Orchestra: Mythical Beasts

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 16 October 2025
ProgrammeRNCM Students New miniature works inspired by Borge and Margarita Guerrero?s The Book of Imaginary BeingsRNCM Students New works inspired by mythical beastsAnthony Gilbert Six of the BestiaryAnthony Gilbert Quartet of Beasts?Perfor...Spotlight: Mozart's Idomeneo - A Myth Reimagined

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 16 October 2025
ProgrammeWolfgang Amadeus Mozart Idomeneo (abridged version)PerformersEsther Shea IliaJay Broadhurst IdomeneoEllie Forrester ElettraMerel-Magali Cox IdamanteEdward Wenborn La Voce/NeptuneTom Henderson pianoAboutOne vow, divine wrath, and a ...Thursday Lunchtimes: Juna Quartet

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 16 October 2025
ProgrammeJoseph Haydn Quartet in B flat major Op 76 No 4 ?Sunrise? (movement 1)Jessie Montgomery StrumCaroline Shaw PunctumMax Richter On the Nature of DaylightVision String Quartet CopenhagenPerformersJuna Quartet:Archie Freeman, Nina Doig...Jah Makin It Happen - A Reggae Musical

RNCM Theatre
Friday 17 October 2025
An inspirational theatrical production that tells the story of a Jamaican family's journey from Jamaica to the UK during the Windrush era. Told through the vibrant sounds of reggae, the musical portrays the family's challenges, resilience, ...Eddi Reader (Fairground Attraction)

RNCM Concert Hall
Saturday 18 October 2025
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 P...The Blow Monkeys + The Christians

RNCM Theatre
Saturday 18 October 2025
British pop royalty, The Blow Monkeys and The Christians have announced a co-headline UK tour. Both bands continue to create great new music and are live acts to be reckoned with. The Blow Monkeys' new album Birdsong will be released ahea...O'Hooley & Tidow

RNCM Concert Hall
Tuesday 21 October 2025
 After 15 years of performing together, eight studio albums, four BBC Folk Award nominations, composing Gentleman Jack as the BBC/HBO drama theme tune and hundreds of venues and festivals across the UK and Europe, the much loved Yorkshire...Spotlight: Harry Lines (singer-songwriter)

RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 21 October 2025
PerformersHarry Lines vocals and guitarAboutHarry Lines sets the mood with songs from his latest EP Landslide, blending folk and modern soul with effortless style.?TicketsFree admission, no ticket requiredPromoted by RNCM. This event will e...RNCM Research Forum - A Mini Symposium organised by Dr Annika Forkert

RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 22 October - Wednesday 10 December 2025
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, discus...Seth Parker Woods (cello)

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 23 October 2025
ProgrammeJ S Bach Sarabande from Suite No 1 in G major BWV 1007Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson Calvary Ostinato from Lamentations: Black/Folk Song SuiteGiacinto Scelsi MaknonganFredrick Gifford Difficult Grace for speaking cellist and electronic...Spotlight: Con Ritmo y Alma - Vocal Music…

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 23 October 2025
ProgrammeFernando Obradors Con amores, la mi madreFernando Obradors Chiquitita la NoviaAlberto Nepomuceno Trovas TristesMar?a Grever Te quiero, dijisteMar?a Grever J?rameDaniel Cat?n Esc?chameEduard Toldra Acuarela del MontsenyPerformersGab...Thursday Lunchtimes: RNCM Wind Ensembles

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 23 October 2025
ProgrammeTo include:Carl Reinecke Octet in B flat major Op 216PerformersKevin Gowland fluteStudents from the School of Wind, Brass and PercussionAboutDrop in during your lunch break and discover a wide range of performances for free with ou...RNCM Session Orchestra: I'm Your Venus

RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 25 October 2025
Programme7pm / Support: M?r Gunnarsson8pm / RNCM Session OrchestraSetlistJupiter (Earth, Wind & Fire)Apollo (St Paul & The Broken Bones)Helios (The Cr?xshadows)Venus (Lady Gaga/Bananarama)Orpheus (Sara Bareilles)Persephone (Tamino)Icarus (B...RNCM Takeover at Band on the Wall

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 26 October 2025
AboutIt starts here. The kind of music that breaks the mould and defines a generation. Where new sound ignites, and a cultural wave is born. Ten new artists waiting to break loose and awaken a new era of sound. Manchester: this is where mus...Julie Fowlis

RNCM Theatre
Monday 27 October 2025
"If snow could sing, it would sing like Julie Fowlis..." ... this is how her pure Northern voice was described by acclaimed nature writer Robert Macfarlane. Hailing from the Outer Hebrides and now based in the Highlands, Julie Fowlis is ...Thursday Lunchtimes: NOVO Quartet

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 30 October 2025
ProgrammeJoseph Haydn Quartet No 68 in D minor Op 103 Hob III:83Bed?ich Smetana Quartet No 1 in E minor ?From My Life?PerformersNOVO Quartet:Kaya Kato M?ller, Nikolai Vasili Nedergaard violinsDaniel ?ledzi?ski violaSigne Ebstrup Bitsch cell...RNCM Symphony Orchestra

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 31 October 2025
Antony Hermus returns to conduct RNCM students in a performance of one of Mahler's most profound works - an awe-inspiring journey from darkness to light. Mahler is alone in his ability to convey emotions at their most extreme, from ang...Hallé Chamber Series: John Adams Chamber Symphony

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 31 October 2025
ProgrammeJohn Adams Chamber SymphonyJohn Adams Hallelujah JunctionJohn Adams John?s Book of Alleged DancesPerformersEuan Shields conductor?Eliza McCarthy, James McVinnie pianoMusicians from the Hall? and RNCMAboutAlongside the symphonic pie...Spotlight: Elin Grace (indie-folk singer)

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 31 October 2025
PerformersElin Grace vocals and guitarAboutFolk meets jazz and classical in Elin Grace?s story-rich songs. Raw, intimate lyrics are paired with lush arrangements for band, woodwind and strings.?TicketsFree admission, no ticket requiredPromo...Pipe Up Manchester 2025

RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 1 November 2025
AboutBringing visibility, sense of community and pride, this festival unites the small but perfectly formed, the developing and the budding LGBTQ+ choirs from around the UK and Ireland.3pm? / Workshop4pm / Concert7.30pm / ConcertThis event ...RNCM Saxophone Day

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 2 November 2025
 The UK's largest annual sax gathering returns for another sensational day celebrating all things saxophone. Join us as we throw open our doors and welcome players of all ages and abilities in a day jam-packed with participatory workshops...Branford Marsalis and Julian Joseph

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 2 November 2025
AboutPart of RNCM Saxophone DayJazz finds its past, its future, and everything in between in Branford Marsalis. From his early acclaim as a young jazz lion, Marsalis has continually expanded his reach as an instrumentalist, composer, bandle...Marsalis-McAllister-Ames Trio

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 2 November 2025
AboutPart of RNCM Saxophone DayFew musicians navigate the worlds of jazz and classical music as seamlessly as Branford Marsalis. A three-time GRAMMY Award winner, Marsalis is celebrated for his versatility and commanding presence on stage. ...Zadie Smith

RNCM Theatre
Tuesday 4 November 2025
Zadie Smith, one of the most beloved writers of her generation, joins us to discuss her illuminating and keenly-awaited new essay collection Dead and Alive. Written with her usual wit and insight, Zadie takes us from an exploration of arti...Beth Nielsen Chapman & Judie Tzuke

RNCM Theatre
Wednesday 5 November 2025
Two of the most revered female singer-songwriters unite for an evening of unparalleled music. Texas singer Beth Nielsen Chapman has been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame while London folk pop rocker Judie Tzuke is best ...Poulenc Gloria and Fauré Requiem

RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 8 November 2025
PerformersJuliet Montgomery sopranoAidan Edwards baritoneJonathan Scott organSteven Roberts conductorAltrincham Choral SocietyAboutAltrincham Choral Society, under the baton of Steven Roberts, perform two seminal French sacred choral works,...The Children's Theatre Group presents - There is…

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 9 November 2025
AboutThere is a Light is a magical presentation of the unique energy each child brings into our world. The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, have been more prevalent over the last few years, as the sun is at the peak of an 11-year activi...Jeanette Winterson

RNCM Theatre
Tuesday 11 November 2025
I can change the story because I am the story. Forty years after her era-defining debut Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, Jeanette Winterson returns with One Aladdin Two Lamps - a bold, brilliant celebration of the transformative power of...The Amy Winehouse Band

RNCM Theatre
Wednesday 12 November 2025
 In this stunning retrospective show, Amy's original band fronted by the exceptional young vocalist Bronte Shand, celebrate her era defining music and live performances. This is the only completely authentic re-imagining of the Amy Wineh...Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: Sing and Swing

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 13 November 2025
On sale Fri 20 Jun 2025 at 10AMSing and Swing from Jazz at Lincoln Center PRESENTS, celebrates the Great American Songbook in all of its playful ? and sophisticated glory ? brought to life by one of this generation?s brightest stars, Benny ...Thursday Lunchtimes: RNCM Chamber Choir

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 13 November 2025
ProgrammeJonathan Dove The Passing of the YearEdward Elgar There is Sweet Music Op 54 No 1Rebecca Dale In Paradisum from Materna RequiemRNCM Student New workPerformersStuart Overington, Davide Trolton conductorsRNCM Chamber ChoirAboutDrop i...Kantos Chamber Choir: The Witch Trials

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 14 November 2025
ProgrammeAnon Gregorian PlainchantGregorio Allegri MiserereCarlo Gesualdo O vos omnesWilliam Byrd Ave MariaBarbara Strozzi arr Slorach Che si pu? fare?Rory Wainwright Johnston Ave MariaGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina Sicut cervusCamden Ree...Spotlight: Chinese Folk Stories Reimagined

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 14 November 2025
ProgrammeRuxin Zhang Mulan (???)Lin Gan From snow area of prayer (????)Mingwu Yin Jasmine Flower (???)PerformersYulin Zhu, Yangyi Mao sopranosKaiying Tan, Na Gao mezzo-sopranosXingyue Lai tenorGuanxiang Wang baritoneYucheng Huo bassYuou Wan...The Van Morrison Alumni Band

RNCM Theatre
Saturday 15 November 2025
An all-star revue staring long-time members of Van Morrison's band. The Van Morrison Alumni Band, a repertoire company unlike any other, features the musicians who played thousands of concerts and recorded hundreds of songs with Van Morriso...Salford Choral Society Presents Handel's Dixit Dominus

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 16 November 2025
ProgrammeGeorge Frideric Handel Dixit Dominus HWV 232PerformersTom Newall conductorDaniella Sicari sopranoRachel Abbott sopranoMerel Magali Cox altoJay Broadhurst ?tenorJames Connolly ?bassSalford Choral SocietyNational Festival OrchestraAb...The John Barbirolli Memorial Prize for Cello

Carol Nash Recital Room
Wednesday 19 November 2025
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 Spotlight - A Tour of Renaissance Europe

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 20 November 2025
ProgrammeSpain:Anonymous Dadme albricias, hijos d?EvaAnonymous E la don don, Verges MariaJuan del Encina Una Sa?osa Porf?aEngland:Henry VIII Pastime with Good CompanyJohn Ward Weep Forth Your TearsFrance:Cl?ment Janequin O Doulx RegardJosqu...RNCM Wind Orchestra with Francesca Chiejina (soprano)

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 20 November 2025
ProgrammeHenry Dorn I, too, am America (UK premiere) *Elena Adams New workEdward Gregson Piano ConcertoOliver Gaunt New workStephen McNeff MonstersPerformersMark Heron, Steph Godwin, Mariacostanza D?Agostino conductorsFrancesca Chiejina sop...Thursday Lunchtimes: Dovestone Quartet

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 20 November 2025
ProgrammeLudwig van Beethoven String Quartet No 11 in F minor Op. 95 ?Serioso?Gabriella Smith Carrot RevolutionPerformersDovestone String Quartet:Georgina Bloomfield, Rachel Stonham violinsPaula Bowes violaMaya Tucker celloAboutDrop in duri...Faust: A German Folk Legend

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 21 November 2025
ProgrammeFaust: A German Folk Legend (1926)Directed by F.W. MurnauSilent film with English-translated intertitlesPerformersDarius Battiwalla organAboutPart of Legends and LoreWhat would you trade for eternal youth and boundless power?Few le...Spotlight: Cras' Quintet for Harp Flute and Strings

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 21 November 2025
ProgrammeJean Cras Quintet for harp, flute, violin, viola and celloPerformersKimberly Wong harpJess Foxwell fluteFinn Nguyen violinKirin Howat violaMaisie McLoughlin celloAboutA musical voyage by naval officer and composer Jean Cras. Inspir...Penguin Cafe

RNCM Concert Hall
Saturday 22 November 2025
Avant-pop from musician, composer, and producer Arthur Jeffes and his Penguin Cafe ensemble, performing music from their Handfuls of Night record and back catalogue. Combining folk, classical, and minimalism in a style distinctive to the Pe...James Mottram International Piano Competition

RNCM Concert Hall
Monday 24 - Saturday 29 November 2025
The RNCM James Mottram International Piano Competition returns this Autumn. Now in its eighth edition, we're delighted to host this biennial event once again. Young pianists from across the globe will join us for an extraordinary week, pe...RNCM James Mottram International Piano Competition: Semi-Final

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 27 November 2025
AboutWe?re thrilled to welcome back this biennial celebration of piano excellence, now in its ninth edition. Talented young pianists from around the globe descend on Manchester for a week of inspiring music-making, both performing on stage ...Thursday Lunchtimes: Takemitsu and Debussy

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 4 December 2025
ProgrammeToru Takemitsu And then I knew ?twas WindRNCM Student New workClaude Debussy Deux dancesPerformersStudents from the RNCM Schools of Strings and Wind, Brass and PercussionAboutDrop in during your lunch break and discover a wide rang...BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 5 December 2025 - Friday 1 May 2026
ProgrammeB?la Bart?k DivertimentoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Serenade for StringsPerformersZo? Beyers directorBBC Philharmonic OrchestraAboutTonight, the string section takes centre stage. Written in 1939 as Europe teetered on the brink of war...Spotlight: Maxwell Davies' The Yellow Cake Revue

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 5 December 2025
ProgrammePeter Maxwell Davies The Yellow Cake RevueTourist Board Song: O come to sunny WharbethPatriotic Song: You?ve heard of the man with the pacemakerPiano Interlude: Farewell to StromnessRecitation ? Nuclear Job Interview 1: The Securit...Prokofiev: L'Amour des Trois Oranges

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 7 - Saturday 13 December 2025
OverviewCast & CreativesProgrammeSergei Prokofiev orch Philipp Haag L?Amour des Trois Oranges Op 33Libretto by Sergei Prokofiev based on the play ?Lamore delle tre melarance? by Carlo GozziSung in French with English surtitlesCreativesLee R...RNCM Big Band with Gareth Lockrane (flute)

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 12 December 2025
PerformersIain Dixon directorGareth Lockrane fluteRNCM Big BandAboutComposer and flautist Gareth Lockrane is known for his explosive energy, vivid musical imagination and unmistakable command of the jazz flute. His critically acclaimed big ...Spotlight: A Visit to Purgatory (Suff Rex Trio)

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 12 December 2025
ProgrammeMaisy Shaw What are you waiting for?Iona Frenguelli Tape Loops and AudienceKaija Saariaho Oi kuu (version for bass flute and cello)Gregorio Allegri arr Dan Shearer Miserere Mei DeusPerformersMaisy Shaw fluteIona Frenguelli violinDa...RNCM Christmas Family Day

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 14 December 2025
AboutGrab your Christmas jumper and get ready for festive fun!A much-loved tradition at the RNCM, our Christmas Family Day returns with a special film screening accompanied by live orchestral music. It?s a seasonal favourite that brings gen...Xaverian College Christmas Concert

RNCM Concert Hall
Wednesday 17 December 2025
With the largest sixth form music department in the North of England, Xaverian College returns to the RNCM for their festive music showcase. ...Justin Hawkins Rides Again

RNCM Theatre
Saturday 17 January 2026
Justin Hawkins - founding member, singer, lead guitarist and frontman of The Darkness - arrived in the public's consciousness along with his band's debut album Permission To Land in 2003. 22 years and eight studio albums later, Justin bri...Alice Sara Ott (piano)

RNCM, Manchester
Monday 19 January 2026
ProgrammeJohn Field Nocturne No 17 in C majorLudwig van Beethoven Sonata No 19 in G minor Op 49 No 1John Field Nocturne No 1 in E flat major; Nocturne No 2 in C minor; Nocturne No 4 in A major; Nocturne No 10 in E majorLudwig van Beethoven ...ARC Ensemble (Artists of the Royal Conservatory Canada)

RNCM, Manchester
Monday 26 January 2026
ProgrammeErnest Kanitz String Quartet in D majorRobert M?ller Hartmann 3 Intermezzi and Scherzo Op 22Frederick Block Piano Trio No 2 Op 26Jerzy Fitelberg Nachtmusik Op 9 No 2 ?Fisches Nachtgesang?Frederick Block Suite for Clarinet and Piano...The End Times

RNCM Concert Hall
Tuesday 27 January 2026
Written and directed by Liza Bec, The End Times is an apocalyptic coming of age tale featuring a magical musical blackboard and a theatrical soundscape, with one foot in the supernatural and one foot in science. This hour-long staged pe...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.