RNCM Names 2026 Artist of the Year Winners
The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) has announced the three winners of its coveted Artist of the Year prize, given to young musicians in recognition of exceptional talent.
Classical Artist of the Year was presented to pianist Liana Storey, who performed a solo programme that included Bach, Shostakovich, Debussy, Gershwin, Rachmaninoff, and Chopin. Currently studying a PG Dip in Advanced Studies in Performance, Liana completed her BMus in 2024 and MMus in 2025, both at the RNCM’s School of Keyboard Studies. She is also a recent winner of the RNCM Concerto Competition.
Popular Music Artist of the Year was awarded to Lottie Gray, who performed four original songs with her band Ryan Bee (electric guitar), George Fisher-Edwards (keyboard), Seb Murphy (bass guitar), and Ozzi Hunt (drums), with arrangements by Ella Laughton and Gus Zhang. A final year BMus Popular Music student, Lottie is already enjoying success as a recording and touring artist.
Gloria Xia took home the title of Artist of the Year (Composer) for her work Glass Bodies for string quartet and fixed electronics. Originally from China, Gloria is a fourth-year student and was recently selected for the Marian Consort Emerging Voices 2026 programme – one of only three composers to be chosen.
Speaking after one of the prizegiving concerts, Principal of the RNCM and a member of the Classical and Pop judging panels, Professor Linda Merrick CBE, commented: ‘What a pleasure it is the be Principal of this wonderful institution and to work with such amazing young students.’
In each category, a prestigious judging panel was assembled to select this year’s winners. The Classical award was presented by composer David Fennessy, Director of Music at Wells Cathedral School Alex Laing, Artistic Director of Kings Place Sam McShane, and Professor Linda Merrick. David Fennessy was also joined by RNCM Deputy Head of Composition Laura Bowler and RNCM Head of Programming Matt Whitham to name the winning Composer. Linda Merrick, RNCM Deputy Principal and Artistic Director Manus Carey, and BBC 6 Music’s Helen Weatherhead and Matt Thomas selected the 2026 Popular Music prize winner.
Congratulations to all the finalists, who were: (Classical) Letizia Palmieri (piano), João Luís (saxophone), Rhys Nicholson (cello), and Alvin Wong (saxophone); (Popular Music) Harry Lines (voice), Mateo Rodriguez (voice), and Elin Grace (piano/keyboards); and (Composition) Emily Dunbar, Helena Zyskowska, Sophia Hurst, Lucian Amette Crosby, and Kámea Németh.
RNCM Artist of the Year is supported by the RNCM Leadership Circle, a group of philanthropists whose gifts provide strategic, high-impact support. Through their generosity, RNCM Leadership Circle supporters help the RNCM to continue to grow as a global leader in music education, ensuring that the next generation of artists, innovators, and leaders have the opportunities they need to thrive.
2 July 2026
