RNCM Saxophone Day 2026
- Classical
- Jazz
- Saxophone
When
Sun 8 Nov 2026, 10am
Price
£22 – £40
Where
RNCM Venues
Promoter
RNCM
About
The UK’s biggest annual sax gathering returns this Autumn. Whether you’re a student, teacher, seasoned player, or just sax-curious, join us for a high-energy, hands-on day packed with workshops, concerts and performances for all ages and abilities. You can expect a vibrant mix of inspiration and participation, from massed ensembles to world-class artistry. We are honoured to welcome saxophonist and composer
Emma Rawicz alongside pianist and composer Gwilym Simcock in a showcase of their new collaboration. Already making waves in the jazz scene, the duo brings a mix of original music and fresh takes on the Great American Songbook, as they prepare to release their debut album,
Trio Abril gives a special chamber music performance; following the release of their album Two Seasons in October 2025, John Butcher and Angharad Davies unleash their formidable improvisatory prowess.
As always, the day features our legendary Massed Saxophone Orchestra, an expansive trade exhibition, and plenty of chances to play, listen, and connect with fellow sax enthusiasts. Our full schedule will be published soon.
Photo credit: Gregor Hohenberg
Schedule
10am – 11.30am / RNCM Concert Hall
MASSED SAXOPHONE ORCHESTRA
The day begins with our popular massed playing session. Parts will be available for all levels, including easier parts for less experienced players. Bring your instruments along and join in!
12pm – 1pm / RNCM Venues
WORKSHOPS
Choose from one of the following options:
OPTION 1 with Emma Rawicz
Headline artist and saxophonist Emma Rawicz leads a workshop, full details to be confirmed.
OPTION 2 with Ruth Bourn and Gilly Blair
Join Junior RNCM tutors Gilly and Ruth to explore the striking and distinctive sound world of Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares. In this exploratory playing session, participants will experiment with translating the choir’s unique vocal style to the saxophone.
OPTION 3 with Mike Hall
This session will feature three of Mike’s arrangements for intermediate ability saxophonists and will focus on the ensemble aspects of jazz performance. There will be a live rhythm section and plenty of opportunities for those who want to improvise.
OPTION 4 with Naomi Sullivan
Zen and the Art of Saxophone Quartet Maintenance
In this workshop, we’ll look at all aspects of how to be the best chamber musician we can be. From the practicalities of rehearsing, tips and ideas on tuning, ensemble, balance, blend, finding repertoire, putting on concerts, and more.
2pm – 3pm / RNCM Concert Hall
LUNCHTIME CONCERT: TRIO ABRIL (FEAT. ARNO BORNKAMP)
3.30pm – 4.30pm / RNCM Venues
WORKSHOPS
Choose from one of the following options:
OPTION 1 with Arno Bornkamp and Trio Abril
Join the musicians from Trio Abril for this workshop, full details to be confirmed.
OPTION 2 with Ruth Bourn and Gilly Blair
Join Ruth and Gilly to play through a selection of arrangements and compositions for large saxophone group. Aimed at players of all ages and abilities.
OPTION 3 with Mike Hall
Learn how to advance your improvisation skills through structured practice. Nurture your musical intuition with just enough theory and a clear method. This is a hands-on playing session.
OPTION 4 with Carl Raven
Help! What Am I Doing Wrong? Discover common technical problems in saxophone playing and how to overcome them. This is a practical guide to improving your playing, practise, and maintaining your technique.
5pm – 5.30pm / RNCM Concert Hall
SPOTLIGHT CONCERT: JOHN BUTCHER ( SAXOPHONE) AND ANGHARAD DAVIES (VIOLIN)
7pm / RNCM Theatre
EMMA RAWICZ (SAXOPHONE) AND GWILYM SIMCOCK (PIANO)
Please note we strongly recommend that anyone under the age of 14 is accompanied by an adult. Parents or guardians observing workshops or participatory events to accompany their children do not need to purchase a ticket. However, all audience members must hold a valid ticket to attend the Trio Abril (feat. Arno Bornkamp) (2pm) and Emma Rawicz (saxophone) and Gwilym Simcock (piano) (7pm) performances.
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Things to know before your visit
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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.





