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.
Most Popular Shows and Events at RNCM, Manchester
What's On at the RNCM, Manchester
Shockout Academy BTEC Showcase
RNCM Theatre
Tuesday 14 - Wednesday 15 April 2026
Experience a dynamic fusion of dance, music, and creativity, as Shockout Academy present their BTEC Showcase. This joyous event will consist of performances from the first and second year BTEC cohort, as well as special appearances from ...The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain
RNCM Concert Hall
Saturday 18 April 2026
The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is the UK's leading brass band charity for children and young people. Formed in 1952 by Dr Denis Wright, they exist to give the brightest young brass and percussion musicians the opportunity t...Will Bracken (piano)
RNCM, Manchester
Monday 20 April 2026
PerformersWilliam Bracken pianoAdaya Malka Peled sopranoProgrammeJS Bach Aria variata alla manniera italianaSalvatore Sciarrino Etude de concertMaurice Ravel Jeaux d?eauClaude Debussy Des pas sur le neigeCamille Saint-Sa?ns, Leopold Godowsk...RNCM x Manchester Collective Studio: Hidden Realms
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 23 April 2026
ProgrammeAndrzej Panufnik Prestissimo possibile from Quartet no 3Andrzej Panufnik Dance 1 and Interlude from Suite PolskaGy?rgy Ligeti Excerpts from Quartet no 1Kevin Volans First Expedition from Quartet no 2John Playford arr Rakhi Singh Wo...Spotlight: A Choral Bedtime Story
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 23 April 2026
ProgrammeGy?rgy Orb?n?Daemon Irrepit CallidusFrancis Poulenc?O Magnum MysteriumJaakko M?ntyj?rvi?Four Shakespeare SongsRalph Vaughan Williams?RestJosef Rheinberger?AbendliedArthur Sullivan?The Long Day ClosesPerformersAlex Rouault?conductor...Thursday Lunchtimes: Cardinal Quintet and Lucian Amette Crosby…
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 23 April 2026
ProgrammeKuba Williams A Messe of Good FellowsFrancis Poulenc Sextuor FP 100Jean Fran?aix L?Heure du BergerPerformersKaoruko Takehara fluteCara Smith clarinetConnor Huss bassoonEsme MacBride-Stewart french hornAnna Turner oboeLucian Amette ...Spotlight: Britten's On This Island
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 24 April 2026
ProgrammeBenjamin Britten?On this Island Op 11Franz Schubert?Seligkeit, Gretchen am SprinnradeGabriel Faur??Les BerceauxGabriel Faur??Clair de lunePerformersRuth Harley?sopranoLetizia Palmieri?pianoMark Askew?harpAboutEmbark on a journey fr...The KNDS Fairey Band and RNCM Brass Ensemble
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 24 April 2026
ProgrammeElgar Howarth MosaicDerek Bourgeois Concerto for Brass Quintet and Brass Band *Richard Wagner arr Greig Siegfreid?s Funeral Music from G?tterd?mmerungRNCM Composers New worksModest Mussorgsky arr Howarth Pictures at an Exhibition (...RNCM Gospel Choir
RNCM Concert Hall
Saturday 25 April 2026
Experience the soul-stirring sounds of Gospel. Following on from their roaring success supporting the RNCM Session Orchestra, the RNCM Gospel Choir return to the stage this spring for their very first solo show. Led by renowned vocalist and...David Fennessy In Focus
RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 28 April 2026
ProgrammeDavid Fennessy The first thing, the last thing, and everything in between for solo piano (2009)David Fennessy Changeless and the Changed for violin & cello (2014)David Fennessy JACK for two guitars (2020)David Fennessy Nara Dreamla...Spotlight: Piano Duo Adélie plays Rachmaninov
RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 28 April 2026
ProgrammeSergei Rachmaninov?Symphonic DancesPerformersTsukushi Mitsuda, Minsung Park?pianosAboutPiano Duo Ad?lie performs Rachmaninov?s final composition, and the only one written entirely while he was in the United States. TicketsFree admi...David Fennessy In Focus: Music and Conversation
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 29 April 2026
ProgrammeDavid Fennessy The room is the resonator for solo cello & electronics (2009)Peter Bailey New work for piano trio and electronics (2026)David Fennessy gut, hair, skin, air for timpani, violin, viola, cello & electronics (2007)AboutP...Manchester Contemporary Orchestra
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 29 April 2026
Programme to include:David Fennessy The Riot ActPlus new works by RNCM composersSophia HurstAmy TysonColin WuDavid BicarreguiGeng RuoyuAbigail YangPerformersMark Heron, Andre Chan, Rosina Flueckiger, Elisabeth Streichert, Davide Trolton con...RNCM Children's Opera: The Green Knight
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 30 April 2026
PerformersCrowcroft Primary School, LongsightSt Anne?s Primary School, AncoatsSt Mary?s Primary School, DentonSt Mary?s Primary School, SwintonRNCM StudentsKate Pearson? composer, conductorAboutPart of Legends and Lore. Our annual Children?...BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
RNCM Concert Hall
Friday 1 May 2026
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra continues its thrillingly up-close series at the RNCM with a heavyweight artistic collaboration - Chief Conductor John Storgards joins the acclaimed pianist Tamara Stefanovich in this exploration of the pure power...Spotlight: Paddington Trio
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 1 May 2026
ProgrammeMaurice Ravel Piano Trio in A minorPerformersTuulia Hero violinPatrick Moriarty celloStephanie Tang pianoAboutThe Paddington Trio is quickly becoming one of the most exciting emerging chamber ensembles in the UK. The group is widel...Sounds of Mumbai
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 2 May 2026
AboutStep into a night of musical magic as the London Bollywood Orchestra brings the spirit of Mumbai to life. With a high-energy mix of unforgettable classics and hidden gems, this show is a tribute to the golden age and modern era of Boll...We Are Legends
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 3 May 2026
AboutNorthern School of Dance and Theatre present their annual show We are Legends. Matinee2pm / Doors2.30pm / StartEvening6.30pm / Doors7pm / StartTicketsFull Price ? 19.50Over 60 / Under 16 ?15.50?This end for this event is tbc. Please ch...Manchester Collective x Thick & Tight - Papillons
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 9 May 2026
Dissolving the boundaries between classical music and other art forms, Manchester Collective join forces with radical dance-theatre company Thick & Tight to present a searing live performance like no other. Drawing on queer culture, Thick &...Ballet of Lights - Sleeping Beauty
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 10 May - 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 ...Cassie Kinoshi's seed.
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 16 May 2026
On sale Fri 13 Feb at 10amPerformersCassie Kinoshi alto saxophoneDeji Ijishakin soprano & tenor saxophoneJoti, Jack Banjo Courtney trumpetsJoe Bristow tromboneHanna Mbuya tubaShirley Tetteh guitarDeschanel Gordon piano, keyboardsRio Kai bas...Legacy: Coltrane and Cannonball Tony Kofi & Denys…
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 23 May 2026
On sale Fri 13 Feb 2026 at 10amPerformersTony Kofi?alto & baritone saxophoneDenys Baptiste?tenor saxophoneRick Simpson?pianoMikele?Montolli?double bassWinston Clifford?drumsAboutTwo of London?s premier saxophonists, Denys Baptiste and Tony ...Rickie Lee Jones
RNCM Theatre
Saturday 30 May 2026
Iconic American musician, storyteller, and two-time Grammy winner, Rickie Lee Jones is best known for her groundbreaking self-titled debut in 1979 - which spawned the UK Top 20 hit "Chuck E.'s in Love" - and the seminal "Pirates" in 1981, h...RNCM Opera Scenes
RNCM Theatre
Thursday 4 - Thursday 18 June 2026
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...Music of the Mystics
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 6 June 2026
AboutExperience the timeless tradition of Sufi Qawwali ? live in concert. Now in their 26th year of international touring, Fanna-Fi-Allah remains one of the foremost traditional Qawwali ensembles in the world today. With thousands of perfor...The Jury Experience - Death on the Port Side
RNCM Theatre
Sunday 7 June 2026
You've been called for jury duty. Step into a thrilling courtroom drama where the audience is the jury. Listen to testimonies, analyze evidence, and ultimately decide... guilty or not guilty? On a summer night, the son of a powerful politic...The Jury Experience - An Immersive Courtroom Case
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 7 June 2026
Step into the heart of a high-stakes trial with The Jury Experience. In this live theatre show, YOU are the jury-the power to deliver justice is entirely in your hands. You'll examine every piece of the puzzle, from witness testimonies to ...The Joyce and Michael Kennedy Award for the Singing of Strauss
RNCM Concert Hall
Tuesday 9 June 2026
The finalists of the Joyce and Michael Kennedy Award for the Singing of Strauss, from the RNCM's School of Vocal Studies and Opera, present individually selected programmes from Strauss' extraordinary repertoire. The Joyce and Michael Kenne...RNCM Brass Band and Wind Orchestra with Julian…
RNCM, Manchester
Friday 12 June 2026
ProgrammeRNCM Brass BandBenjamin Britten arr Hindmarsh King Arthur: Scenes from a Radio DramaPhyllis Tate IllustrationsJan van der Roost ExcaliburRNCM Wind OrchestraJoseph Schwantner The Awakening HourDaron Hagen Envoi (European premiere)Va...RNCM Artist of the Year: Pop Final
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 13 June 2026
PerformersThis year?s finalists will be announced in April 2026. AboutRNCM Artist of the Year is the College?s highest individual award and celebrates outstanding artistry, creativity, and musical excellence. In this final, students from ou...RNCM Young Explorers: Musical Theatre Magic
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 14 June 2026
AboutRNCM Young Explorers returns this season with an afternoon of show-stopping music from the West End, featuring hits from Six, Beauty and the Beast, Wicked and more. Prepare to be dazzled as The Untold Orchestra brings your favourite so...RNCM Christopher Rowland Chamber Ensemble of the Year
RNCM Concert Hall
Monday 15 June 2026
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...Spotlight: The Gorgi-Stewart Quintet - Notes on Separation…
RNCM, Manchester
Monday 15 June 2026
ProgrammeSonia Gorgi?Unseen OperationMaddie Stewart?After We Leave (Still There)PerformersMaddie Stewart?saxophoneSonia Gorgi?santoorIzzy MacMahon?drumsJade Serafin?double bassFraser Rowe?pianoAboutThis experimental cross-cultural performan...Spotlight: Solaris Brass - Triton Messenger of the…
RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 16 June 2026
ProgrammeMichael John Trotta arr Lewis Barton?Dies IraeGabriel Faur? arr Matthew Knight?Apr?s un r?veArthur Butterworth?Triton SuiteGabriel Faur? arr Matthew Knight?Le papillon et la fleurGabriel Faur? arr Matthew Knight?Le secretGeorge Ger...Timothy Ridout (viola) and Federico Colli (piano)
RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 16 June 2026
ProgrammeRobert Schumann Three Romances Op 94Johannes Brahms arr Timothy Ridout Cello Sonata No 1 in E minor Op 38Dmitri Shostakovich Viola Sonata Op 147PerformersTimothy Ridout violaFederico Colli pianoAboutPart of Inspirational ArtistsWhe...Timothy Ridout (viola) and James Baillieu (piano)
RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 16 June 2026
ProgrammeRobert Schumann Three Romances Op 94Johannes Brahms arr Timothy Ridout Cello Sonata No 1 in E minor Op 38Dmitri Shostakovich Viola Sonata Op 147PerformersTimothy Ridout violaJames Baillieu?pianoAboutPart of Inspirational ArtistsWhe...RNCM Artist of the Year: Composer Final
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 17 June 2026
ProgrammeGloria XiaEmily DunbarK?mea N?methSophia HurstLucian Amette CrosbyHelena ZyskowskaAboutRNCM Artist of the Year is the College?s highest individual award and celebrates outstanding artistry, creativity, and musical excellence. In th...RNCM Artist of the Year: Classical Final
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 18 June 2026
PerformersLetizia Palmieri pianoLiana Storey pianoAlwin Wong saxophoneJoao Luis saxophoneRhys Nicholson celloAboutRNCM Artist of the Year is the College?s highest individual award and celebrates outstanding artistry, creativity, and musical...Spotlight: Aidan Bryson - Music for Jazz Quartet…
RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 18 June 2026
ProgrammeJimmy Van-Heusen?Like Someone In LoveAidan Bryson?Music for Jazz Quartet and String QuartetAidan Bryson?In Your AbsencePerformersAidan Bryson?saxophoneJack Willan?drumsMarcello Rodrigues?double bassJim Gibson?pianoAlice Granlund, E...Kantos Chamber Choir at the Monastery Manchester
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 20 June 2026
ProgrammeAaron Copland In the BeginningMarvin Gaye arr. Rollo Dilworth What?s Going OnMeredith Monk Earth Seen From AboveBob Dylan arr. Liv Muir Blowin? in the WindArnold Schoenberg Friede auf ErdenSam Cooke arr. Charlie Perry A Change is G...Kantos Chamber Choir: Hope on Earth
RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 20 June 2026
ProgrammeAaron Copland In the BeginningMarvin Gaye arr. Rollo Dilworth What?s Going OnMeredith Monk Earth Seen From AboveBob Dylan arr. Liv Muir Blowin? in the WindArnold Schoenberg Friede auf ErdenSam Cooke arr. Charlie Perry A Change is G...BBC Introducing @ RNCM
RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 21 June 2026
AboutSave the date!This project is still under wraps, so save the date and watch this space as we reveal an exciting new collaboration. Photo credit: Robin ClewleyTicketsFree admission, ticket requiredPromoted by RNCM. This event will end a...Spotlight: The Carnival of the Animals
RNCM, Manchester
Monday 22 June 2026
ProgrammeCamille Saint-Sa?ns?The Carnival of the AnimalsPerformersEmily Ampt, Nyra Jain?violinsSophie Combes?violaChloe Chen?celloLukas Hall?double bassAdele Bracegirdle?fluteAnthony Arias?clarinetTheo Sanders, James Carrick-Buchanan?pianos...Ursula Oppens with RNCM Pianists: The People United
RNCM, Manchester
Monday 22 June 2026
ProgrammeFrederic Rzewski Four Hands (1st movement)Meredith Monk Ellis Island; Phantom Waltz; FolkdanceLisa Kaplan Whirligig?Frederic Rzewski The People United Will Never Be Defeated!PerformersUrsula Oppens, Graham Scott, Adam Swayne pianoM...RNCM Guitars
Carol Nash Recital Room
Wednesday 24 June 2026
Curated by internationally acclaimed classical guitarist and RNCM Professor Craig Ogden, this evening of performances showcases the artistry of RNCM guitar students. ...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, coup...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 I...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 Stor...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 o...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 w...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....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 P...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 retaine...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 cel...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 ca...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 entert...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.
