BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
British Iconoclasts
- Classical
- Orchestra
When
Fri 16 Oct 2026, 8pm
Price
£18 – £27
- Multi-buy
Promoter
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Programme
William Byrd Christe qui lux es et dies
Errollyn Wallen Photography
Benjamin Britten Les Illuminations
Edmund Finnis Hymn (after Byrd)
Tom Coult Black Shuck Lament
Michael Tippett Fantasia Concertante on a theme of Corelli
Performers
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Zoë Beyers director
Guy Cutting tenor
About
Untamed and uncompromising
‘I alone hold the key to this savage parade.’
— Arthur Rimbaud
Britten and Tippett shared many traits: both were pacifists; conscientious objectors during the war; homosexuals, at a time when it was publicly outlawed in Britain; and both shared a love of older forms of music. Drawing on one of Corelli’s concerti grossi, Tippett’s Fantasia views the Baroque through modern eyes in this passing from darkness into light.
In Britten’s sparkling setting for voice and string orchestra (initially for soprano, later tenor) this phrase from French symbolist poet Arthur Rimbaud becomes an enigmatic throughline amid the poet’s eccentric scenes. Lose yourself in Britten’s crystalline textures, and Rimbaud’s magical imagery: of boats battered by whirlpools of light, of jugglers and rogues, cortèges of russet and opaline.
Elsewhere, we hear a trio of works by modern British mavericks – Errollyn Wallen’s propulsive Photography, Edmund Finnis’s crystalline Hymn (after Byrd), and Black Shuck Lament by previous BBC Philharmonic Composer-in-Residence, Tom Coult.
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra Multibuy Offer
Book more and save. Automatically save 20% off your tickets when you book two to three concerts in this series or save 30% when you book all four events. Bookings must be purchased in a single transaction, and this promotion cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Promoted by BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
Part of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra at the RNCM Series
Hear unique collaborations with big‑name artists and solo turns from the orchestral players in an intimate, close‑up setting
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Become a Member
Nothing beats live music, and as an RNCM Member you can enjoy an unforgettable feast of concerts and events featuring our talented students, alumni, artists-in-residence, and professional partners – all while supporting the next generation of musicians!
Things to know before your visit
About the RNCM Concert Hall
Venue
The RNCM Concert Hall is a striking performance venue with tiered seating for up to 550 audience members, including balcony seating for 165, offering excellent sightlines and an intimate concert experience.
Access
The Concert Hall offers a range of access options, including step-free routes to selected seating areas, lift access to the Upper Hall, and handrails on all staircases. Step-free access is available to Row A in the Lower Hall and Row GG in the Upper Hall, with additional accessible stalls seating available for some performances.
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Discover our latest season all in one place with extraordinary music from world-class artists and the next generation of musicians.
How to Get Here
Bus
There are frequent bus services from Manchester City Centre (Piccadilly Gardens) to Oxford Road and Booth Street West.
These bus stops are all within a five-minute walk to the RNCM:
Aquatics Centre (Southbound):
Bus Numbers 15, 18, 41 CrossCity, 42, 42A, 42B, 42C, 43, 111, 142, 142N, 143, 147, 191, 197, V1 Vantage, V2 Vantage, V4
Cavendish Street (Northbound), Higher Cambridge St/Boundary St West (Southbound):
Bus Numbers 101, 102, 103
Royal Northern College of Music (both directions):
Bus Numbers 53 Orbits, 85, 85A, 86, 250, 263 Sapphire
University Shopping (Northbound):
Bus Numbers 15, 18, 41 CrossCity, 42, 42A, 42B, 42C, 43, 111, 142, 142N, 143, 147, 191, 197, V1 Vantage, V2 Vantage, V4
Tram
The nearest tram stop is St Peter’s Square (0.8 miles). From there you can walk to the RNCM in 15 minutes or catch a southbound bus down Oxford Road.
Bike
A public bike rack can be found in the RNCM surface car park located on Rosamond Street West, next to the entrance doors – don’t forget to bring your bike lock!
There is also a Bee Network docking station on the corner of Rosamond Street West and Oxford Road, next to the RNCM.
Please note that e-bikes are not permitted at the RNCM.
Train
The nearest train station is Manchester Oxford Road (0.5 miles). From there you can walk to the RNCM in 13 minutes or catch a southbound bus down Oxford Road.
Other train stations include:
Manchester Piccadilly (0.8 miles/20 minute walk)
Deansgate (0.9 miles/21 minute walk)
Manchester Victoria (1.5 miles/33 minute walk)
Car and Parking Information
If you are travelling by car we recommend that you allow plenty of time for your journey. Please note that general traffic along Oxford Road is no longer permitted to use the route between 6am and 9pm, seven days a week. Visitors driving into and across the city centre will need to use alternative routes, such as Upper Brook Street and Princess Street, rather than Oxford Road.
Parking
Please note that there is no public car parking available at the RNCM on weekdays and Saturdays before 5pm. Daytime visitors are advised to use nearby public car parks.
We have limited blue badge spaces within our surface car park that can be pre-booked by customers at [email protected] (these are subject to availability). There is also limited on street provision for disabled parking on Rosamond Street West, adjacent to the main car park entrance.
Sir Charles Groves Hall of Residence Underground Car Park (evenings and all day on Sundays) Off Rosamond Street West
On weekdays and Saturdays between 5 – 11.30pm, and on Sundays between 6am – 11.30pm, visitor parking is available in the RNCM secure underground car park, located next to the College in the basement of Sir Charles Groves Hall of Residence. This is a cashless car park.
The current charge per visit is £5 per car, payable by contactless or chip and pin only.*
Please note that the underground car park entrance/exit is 2.1 metres high and 2.3 metres wide. Customers who own larger vehicles may wish to consider using alternative car parks in order to reduce the risk of damage to vehicles.
Overnight parking in the Sir Charles Groves Hall car park is prohibited, and is subject to a fine of £50 per night.
The two closest public car parks to the RNCM are:
University of Manchester Booth Street West Car Park
Booth Street West
M15 6AR (access via Higher Cambridge Street)
Further information
Manchester Aquatics Centre Car Park (NCP)
Booth Street East
M13 9SS
Further information
Please note that travel and parking information has been given as a guide only, and may be subject to change. Car parks 2 and 3 are not managed by the RNCM. Visitors are advised to check travel plans ahead of your journey.
Air
Our nearest airport is Manchester Airport, located about 10 miles south of the city centre. There are regular train, bus and taxi connections to the city.
For more information please visit the Manchester Airport website.
Where to eat
Our fully accessible RNCM Café Bar serves freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches, and evening meals, as well as takeaway salads, sandwiches, wraps, cakes, and snacks. All our selections include vegan options, and we operate our service in a sustainable, environmentally responsible way.