Resonate: January 2024
Welcome to your January 2024 edition of Resonate, and a very Happy New Year from all of us at the RNCM.
While our students enjoy the last few days of their well-earned festive break, we’re thrilled to share news of top industry awards secured by members of our community, as well as the wonderful individuals we presented honorary awards to in our recent Congregation of Awards.
We also have details of the exciting performances and events coming up over the next month at the RNCM, including our annual Strings Day and International Brass Band Festival.
We are immensely grateful to all those in our community who have already backed our Endangered Instruments Appeal and supported the next generation of musical talent in learning instruments that are at risk of disappearing forever. You can find out more about how you can help support our mission and protect the future of music for everyone to enjoy here.
Times Higher Education Awards
RNCM Crowned Outstanding Entrepreneurial University
We’re proud to share that the RNCM was named Outstanding Entrepreneurial University at the recent Times Higher Education Awards.
This accolade, our fifth in recent years, was presented in recognition of our dedication to empowering students to shape the music industry of the future.
The judges said: ‘The Royal Northern College of Music really demonstrated what can be done, with a third of their degrees turned over to enterprise and entrepreneurship, freelance work accessed in-house and research on effective ways to train creative industry students.’
Student Trailblazer Award
RNCM Graduate Scoops Top Industry Prize
Recent graduate Matteo Tontodonati rubbed shoulders with the likes of Duran Duran, Nia Archives, and Tinie Tempah as he beat a strong shortlist to take home the 2023 Student Trailblazer Award at the annual Music Managers Forum’s (MMF) Artist and Manager Awards, held at London’s Bloomsbury Big Top.
The panel named Matteo one to watch in the industry and commended him for his ‘extracurricular activities as a manager and promoter’ in Manchester’s ‘vibrant’ music scene during his time at the RNCM.
Matteo praised the opportunity his degree had given him to learn about the business side of a career in music, saying: ‘I have learnt the importance of innovation in both marketing and release campaigns, and many of the creative ways in which managers help artists shine through the highly competitive industry.’
Congregation of Awards
Graduates and Industry Leaders Celebrated
A huge congratulations to all our alumni who graduated at our Congregation of Awards ceremonies last month!
During the ceremonies, awards of Fellow (FRNCM), Honorary Member (HonRNCM) and Associate of the RNCM (ARNCM) were also presented to influential figures for their outstanding achievements in the fields of music, education, industry leadership and advocacy. You can read the full list of those who received awards here.
Amongst those who received honorary awards was saxophonist and broadcaster YolanDa Brown OBE DL, who documented her day and everything that went on behind the scenes – check out the video here.
RNCM Strings Day
Sat 13 Jan
RNCM Strings Day celebrates the sheer versatility, beauty, and brilliance of string playing across a range of concerts and programmes. Our students, staff, and guest artists perform side-by-side, captivating listeners with their expressive playing and embodying learning at its highest level.
3.30pm // RNCM String Orchestra: Bach and Dvořák
5pm // RNCM Young Strings
5.30pm // RNCM String Ensemble: Mozart, Piazzolla and Queen
8pm // Manchester Collective and RNCM Strings
Helen Grime In Focus
Thu 18 Jan
Throughout the year, our In Focus series invites trailblazing composers to the RNCM. Behind the scenes they work closely with our staff and students, culminating in a compelling day of performances.
This Spring we’re delighted to welcome Helen Grime, a composer renowned for her masterful compositions inspired by art and literature. Helen’s work has garnered critical acclaim and been performed by many of the world’s leading orchestras.
Edvard Grieg Vocal Ensemble and RNCM Chamber Choir
Fri 19 Jan // 7.30pm
We’re delighted to welcome the Edvard Grieg Vocal Ensemble this January as they perform side-by-side with our Chamber Choir.
Following on from their exciting collaboration this past summer for the BBC Proms, enjoy Scandinavian soundscapes and well-known British works in an evening that embraces the rich choral traditions of Norway and Britain.
Why not join us for our free, student-led RNCM Spotlight before this performance by The Sunrise Jazz Ensemble?
RNCM Opera Scenes
24, 26, 31 Jan & 2 Feb // 6pm
Students from our Schools of Vocal Studies and Opera & Conducting present some of opera’s greatest moments in this free series of staged scenes. The perfect way to feed your curiosity.
We’re delighted to welcome BSL interpreter Paul Whittaker who will be signing the opera scenes performed on Fri 2 Feb, as part our Disability Week.
RNCM International Brass Band Festival
Fri 26 – Sun 28 Jan
Six of the world’s leading brass brands, twelve world premières, nine outstanding soloists, plus the next generation of brass musicians – the unparallel RNCM International Brass Band Festival returns this January.
View the jam-packed schedule on our website.
RNCM Disability Week
31 Jan – 2 Feb
Now in its second year, we’re thrilled to announce the return of RNCM Disability Week this Spring, in memory of composer Lucy Hale.
The week features events exclusively by disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent artists, creatives, and researchers. From talks to performances, workshops, and demos, we’d love for you to join us as we explore music-making at the forefront of disability arts.
See the full schedule here.
Enjoy a midday musical interlude at one of our ever-popular Monday Lunchtimes and Thursday Lunchtimes.
Visit our What’s On page for full listings.
3 January 2024
