Professor Brian Cox and John Suchet Champion RNCM Campaign
Professor Brian Cox and John Suchet are among the supporters of Your RNCM; a £3 million campaign to transform the RNCM’s Concert Hall into a state-of-the-art venue.
Both the popular physicist and broadcast journalist have given their names as Champions of the project, which will provide Manchester with a much-needed 750 seat venue, enabling the College to bring more music to the city and showcase professional artists and students in an intimate space.
Commencing in January, plans include a new air-conditioning and heating system, new flooring and seating, advanced technical facilities and lighting, in addition to a balcony and raised floor area. The backstage production spaces of both the Concert Hall and RNCM Theatre will also be reconfigured to support increased student numbers and provide a professional learning environment at industry standard.
Professor Cox, known to many for his BBC science programmes, said: ‘I am proud to feel part of Manchester’s rich cultural landscape and I love the RNCM building; it is an inspiration to both visitors and students. The transformation planned for the Concert Hall is very exciting and I am delighted to support the Your RNCM campaign.’
John Suchet, Classic FM presenter and Beethoven expert who was involved in the RNCM’s 40th anniversary Ludwig van festival, added: ‘It’s been a joy presenting Beethoven at the RNCM twice in the last year. Students past and present are an inspiration to work with. It’s good to know that the future of classical music is safe in their hands. I wish the RNCM the very best of luck with the development of the Concert Hall, and look forward to talking Beethoven again in the fabulous new Hall.’
The campaign, which incorporates opportunities to Take Your Seat and sponsor a bar of music from the 2014 opening concert, is part of a major £6 million project undertaken by the RNCM, one of the world’s leading music colleges and the UK’s seventh busiest performance venue, to further enhance the student experience and broaden its artistic offering.
In September, the College was awarded £2.8m from the Higher Education Funding Council of England’s Catalyst Fund to aid the work, which includes the reconfiguration of old, and creation of new, spaces to accommodate the diverse teaching, study, rehearsal and performance activities now required.
23 October 2013
