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, The Ultimate Classic Rock Show, Ballet Of Lights - Peter Pan In A Sparkling Show, Juno Birch, and An Evening With Francis Rossi. 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, The Ultimate Classic Rock Show, Ballet Of Lights - Peter Pan In A Sparkling Show, Juno Birch, and An Evening With Francis Rossi. 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 Brand New Orchestra
RNCM Concert Hall
Wednesday 30 April 2025
The Royal Northern College of Music's innovative Brand New Orchestra lights up the stage. Brand New Orchestra is where new music takes shape, providing an exciting platform for RNCM composition students to write for a full orchestra, worksh...RNCM Spotlight - Dag Wirén's Serenade for Strings
Carol Nash Recital Room
Wednesday 30 April 2025
Students from the RNCM School of Strings perform Dag Wiren's Serenade for Strings and premiere Aidan Fyfe's Saxophone Concerto with Rachael Green ...RNCM Chamber Choir - Roxanna Panufnik In Focus
RNCM Concert Hall
Thursday 1 May 2025
Polish-British composer Roxanna Panufnik's choral and instrumental music is deeply spiritual, richly textured, and full of emotional resonance. In this programme, the RNCM Chamber Choir performs a selection of her works, including the intri...Thursday Lunchtimes - Roxanna Panufnik In Focus
RNCM Concert Hall
Thursday 1 May 2025
Roxanna Panufnik is one of Britain's most distinctive and versatile composers, known for her ability to blend musical cultures and build bridges between faiths. A long-standing advocate for interfaith musical dialogue, she weaves together s...Roxanna Panufnik In Conversation
Carol Nash Recital Room
Thursday 1 May 2025
Part of the RNCM's In Focus series, inviting trailblazing composers to Manchester. Behind the scenes, they work closely with the college's students, culminating in a compelling day of performances. Meet Polish-British composter Roxanna Panu...Scottish Ensemble - Impulse: Music in Motion
RNCM Concert Hall
Friday 2 May 2025
A memorised, kinetic production of Shostakovich's Chamber Symphony and Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings, performed by Scottish Ensemble and developed in partnership with choreographer Orjan Andersson. Bringing performers and audience into...RNCM Spotlight - Olivier Messiaen's Harawi
Carol Nash Recital Room
Friday 2 May 2025
Harawi is Olivier Messiaen's last song cycle. Its enchanting harmonies reimagine the myth of two fated lovers, Tristan and Iseult. ...Brian Bilston & Henry Normal
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 3 May 2025
Brian Bilston has been described as the Banksy of poetry and Twitter's unofficial Poet Laureate; with over 400,000 followers on social media, Brian has become truly beloved by the online community. He has published several collections of po...Macclesfield Youth Brass Band
RNCM Concert Hall
Saturday 3 May 2025
Macclesfield Youth Brass Band (MYBB) celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2025. With over 120 members -Â from complete beginners and advanced musicians alike - they are a dynamic organisation run entirely by volunteers who are determined to ...Northern School of Dance and Theatre - The Greatest Show On Earth
RNCM Theatre
Sunday 4 May 2025
Northern School of Dance and Theatre present their annual show The Greatest Show on Earth. Â ...Tony Ann
RNCM Theatre
Sunday 11 May 2025
Tony Ann is a virtuoso solo pianist from Canada who seamlessly blends contemporary and classical styles. As a harmony connoisseur, Tony pushes the limits of neoclassical and popular music, crafting emotionally rich compositions using the fu...Yazz Ahmed
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 17 May 2025
Through her music, British-Bahraini trumpet player Yazz Ahmed seeks to blur the lines between jazz and electronic sound design, bringing together the sounds of her mixed heritage in what has been described as 'psychedelic Arabic jazz, intox...John Helliwell's Super Big Tramp Band
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 24 May 2025
Supertramp's John Helliwell is known for his classy, distinctive, cool saxophone playing and famously dry wit, a stunning big band and the unforgettable music of this legendary supergroup - touring possibly for the last time, as the eternal...The Ultimate Classic Rock Show
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 31 May 2025
Dust off your air guitars for an evening of the very best classic rock anthems from legends past and present! Let The Ultimate Classic Rock Show take you on a roller coaster journey of classic rock nostalgia. Performing hit after hit live w...RNCM Opera Scenes
RNCM Theatre
Thursday 5 - Thursday 19 June 2025
FREE EVENT. RNCM vocal and conducting students present excerpts from some of opera's greatest moments in this free series of staged scenes. A perfect way to feed your curiosity! Click on tickets link for the perfromers and excerpts presente...Ballet of Lights - Peter Pan in a Sparkling Show
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 7 June 2025
Experience Peter Pan reimagined with Ballet of Lights. Six local dancers in illuminated costumes bring this classic story to life through dance, light, and colour. Join Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, and the Darling children on a magical journey t...RNCM Brass Band
RNCM Concert Hall
Thursday 12 June 2025
Established during the 1990s by brass innovator Howard Snell, the RNCM Brass Band has always been a flagship ensemble of the institution. Geographically the RNCM is ideally placed in Manchester for brass band students and it boasts a teachi...RNCM Spotlight - Ethel Smyth's String Quintet
Carol Nash Recital Room
Friday 13 June 2025
Listed as Opus 1 in her catalogue of music, Ethel Smyth's String Quintet in E major isn't her first composition, but the first she deemed worthy of publication. It is performed here by students from the RNCM School of Strings. ...RNCM Wind Orchestra: Dances with Winds
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 13 June 2025
ProgrammeKenneth Hesketh DanceriesBrett Miller New work *Luis Serrano Alarc?n DuendeJohn Corigliano Gazebo Dances ^Florencio You New workAdam Gorb Yiddish DancesPerformersMark Heron, Felicity Cliffe *, Hannah Trudgeon ^, Trevor Naughton ^ c...RNCM Spotlight - Suit Up Barbershop Quartet
Carol Nash Recital Room
Saturday 14 June 2025
An evening of close harmony classics and modern tunes alike, presented in Suit Up's debut performance. ...RNCM Session Orchestra: Original Artists Edition
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 14 June 2025
PerformersAndy Stott directorSteph Godwin assistant conductorRNCM Session EnsembleAboutEnjoy an unrivalled evening in the city as we present the next generation of artists and their original music with live orchestra. We?re thrilled to show...RNCM Young Explorers: Dancing Divas and Singing Superstars…
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 15 June 2025
Aspiring young pop stars can take part in two pre-show workshops, designed to complement the Young Explorers experience. Our Popular Music students will share tricks of the trade, helping young artists sparkle and find their unique voice. A...RNCM Young Explorers: Queens of Pop
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 15 June 2025
Our Young Explorers series of family-friendly events continues with a celebration of the Queens of Pop! Join the magnificent Untold Orchestra for a high-energy concert featuring chart-topping hits by Taylor Swift, Beyonc?, Sabrina Carpenter...RNCM Christopher Rowland Chamber Ensemble of the Year
RNCM Concert Hall
Monday 16 June 2025
Celebrating chamber music at the RNCM, this annual prize was established in honour of Christopher Rowland, the renowned quartet leader and architect of the college's chamber music department. Experience performances from the leading student...RNCM Spotlight - Cortet
Carol Nash Recital Room
Monday 16 June 2025
The French horn group Cortet embarks on an ethereal musical journey, featuring works that evoke a dreamlike atmosphere and the premiere of Ella Laughton's latest composition. ...Steven Osborne (piano) with RNCM Pianists
RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 17 June 2025
ProgrammeMaurice Ravel Une barque sur l?oc?an from MiroirsMaurice Ravel La vall?e des cloches from MiroirsMarie Ja?ll Les beaux jours +Maurice Ravel Valses nobles et sentimentales *Maurice Ravel La valse (version for 2 pianos) +Maurice Rave...BBC Philharmonic
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 18 - Friday 20 June 2025
ProgrammeRichard Strauss Die Fledermaus: Overture *Witold Lutos?awski Cello ConcertoCarl Maria von Weber Oberon: Overture +Robert Schumann Manfred: Overture +Paul Hindemith Symphonic Metamorphosis on themes by Weber ^PerformersBenjamin Voce...The Joyce and Michael Kennedy Award for the…
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 18 June 2025
PerformersRNCM Students from the School of Vocal Studies and OperaAboutWe?re delighted to welcome audiences to the Joyce and Michael Kennedy Award for the Singing of Strauss, in which finalists from the School of Vocal Studies and Opera pre...Unbound: Jasdeep Singh Degun (sitar) with Musicians from…
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 19 June 2025
ProgrammeJasdeep Singh Degun:VeerRaag JogOrpheus (excerpt)Raag performanceAbbh?Lament+ RNCM student New work for solo sitarPerformersJasdeep Singh Degun sitarHarkiret Bahra tablaKaviraj Singh santoor, vocalsHannah Trudgeon conductorRNCM Stu...RNCM Gold Medal: Classical Final
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 21 June 2025
AboutThe RNCM Gold Medal celebrates solo performance at its best from the next generation of musicians. Join us for a day of outstanding live music, rounded off with the Winner?s Announcement awarding the College?s most prestigious prize to...RNCM Gold Medal: Composition Final
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 21 June 2025
AboutThe RNCM Gold Medal celebrates new music at its best from the next generation of composers. Join us for a day of outstanding live music, rounded off with the Winner?s Announcement awarding the College?s most prestigious prize to one of...Greater Manchester and Blackburn with Darwen Music Hub…
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 22 June 2025
PerformersGreater Manchester Youth Brass BandGreater Manchester Youth String OrchestraGreater Manchester Youth Wind OrchestraGreater Manchester Youth Show ChoirGreater Manchester Youth Folk EnsembleAboutThe Greater Manchester and Blackburn ...RNCM Spotlight - Mendelssohn's Octet
Carol Nash Recital Room
Tuesday 24 June 2025
A cornerstone of the chamber music repertoire, Mendelssohn's Octet combines rich orchestral textures with intricate interplay, written when the composer was just 16 and performed here by two chamber groups. ...Dangerous Matter: A New Opera on Medicine Memory…
RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 24 June 2025
ProgrammeZakiya Leeming Dangerous MatterPerformersZakiya Leeming composerSam Redway Wells director, dramaturgMelvin Tay conductorRosie Middleton Lady Mary Wortley MontaguRuth Harley Sarah Chiswell / Multi-roleAnkur Dang Princess Caroline / ...RNCM Guitars
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 25 June 2025
PerformersCraig Ogden directorRNCM Students from the School of StringsAboutCurated by internationally acclaimed classical guitarist and RNCM Professor Craig Ogden, this evening of performances showcases the artistry of RNCM guitar students....RNCM Spotlight - Aurora Winds
Carol Nash Recital Room
Thursday 26 June 2025
Aurora Winds performs new works for wind quintet influenced by hip-hop, the Talking Heads, Annie Clarke, Sigur Ros, and Radiohead. ...RNCM Big Band with Iain Ballamy (saxophone)
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 26 June 2025
PerformersIain Dixon directorIain Ballamy saxophoneRNCM Big BandAboutListed between Count Basie and Chet Baker in the BBC?s publication 100 Jazz Greats, Iain Ballamy has spent over three decades transcending musical genres, blending strong ...RNCM Symphony Orchestra
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 28 June 2025
 The Royal Northern College of Music's Symphony Orchestra round off an exceptional year of music making with a celebratory concert at The Bridgewater Hall. Antony Hermus returns to conduct RNCM students in a performance of one of Mahler's...Explore@RNCM
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 29 June 2025
AboutExplore@RNCM returns this June, and we can?t wait to welcome you and your family for a day filled with music, creativity, and shared experiences. Join us in the heart of Manchester for an afternoon bursting with live performances, hand...Juno Birch
RNCM Theatre
Wednesday 2 July 2025
 Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Juno Birch the absolutely stunning outlandish blue alien who'd love nothing more than to speak to the manager of Earth. Juno travel's the Earth and probes the absurdity of life on this planet, in her...Germaine Kruip - A Possibility
RNCM Theatre
Thursday 17 - Sunday 20 July 2025
A Possibility is a new artwork for the theatre by Dutch artist Germaine Kruip exploring the possibilities of perception, sound and performance. Performed at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), the piece features new compositions by ...Do You Own the Dançefloor? (15) + Q&A
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 30 August 2025
Step back into the legendary world of The Hacienda, the iconic Manchester nightclub that defined an era with this 10th anniversary screening of Do You Own the Dancefloor? featuring special guests and a Q&A. This documentary captures the un...CANCELLED: Do You Own the Dançefloor
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 30 August 2025
We regret to announce that due to unforeseen circumstances, the 10th anniversary screening of Do You Own the Dan?efloor? at the RNCM on Saturday 30 August 2025 has been cancelled, and all tickets will be refunded. Step back into the legenda...No Rolls Barred
RNCM Theatre
Tuesday 9 September 2025
No Rolls Barred is one of the UK's top tabletop channels on YouTube, a bunch of friends and comedians playing board games to show you just how fun board gaming can be. Famous for their regular series' House Rules, Board Game Club and Bl...Luke Morley (Thunder)
RNCM Concert Hall
Thursday 11 September 2025
Luke Morley has stood at the very heart of UK rockers Thunder since 1989 as their guitarist, chief songwriter and producer. He's been a lynchpin in their 14 albums' success and served a crucial role in building up these rock heroes' loyal f...AURI
RNCM Theatre
Friday 12 September 2025
In the fleeting moments between the state of being awake and reaching the doors of dreamworld lies a borderland whence comes the mood music of ancient stories told - the celestial unison of three creative souls known as AURI. Originally bor...DakhaBrakha
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 3 October 2025
ДахаБраха (pronounced "DakhaBrakha") is a music quartet from Kyiv, Ukraine making a world of unexpected new music with its uncompromising vocal range and self-proclaimed "ethno-chaos." The group was created in 2004 at the Center of...New Dawn Fades: A Play About Joy Division and Manchester
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 4 - Friday 10 October 2025
The brand-new stage production of New Dawn Fades: A Play About Joy Division & Manchester celebrates its 10th anniversary. The new touring production is written by Brian Gorman, produced & directed by Giles D Bastow and Sean Mason fo...Simon & Oscar (Ocean Colour Scene)
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 11 October 2025
In 2015 Ocean Colour Scene celebrated their 25th Anniversary with a sell-out acoustic tour of some of the most prestigious UK Concert Halls, it was not only their most successful for 15 years, but also their best received, with ecstatic aud...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...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...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.
