RNCM alumni recognised in King’s New Year’s Honours

The RNCM extends warm congratulations to two RNCM alumni recently named in the King’s 2026 New Year Honours list.

International celebrated mezzo-soprano Alice Coote (below, left), who graduated from the RNCM in 1993, has been elevated to CBE in recognition of her valuable services to the arts. Alice, who hails from the North West and was previously awarded the OBE in 2018, has performed major roles on some of the world’s most significant stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, Glyndebourne, Royal Opera House, Bayerische Staatsoper, Opéra de Paris, Wiener Staatsoper, LA Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Salzburg Festival.

Janet Fischer (above, right), CEO of charity Live Music Now, receives the MBE for her services to music and to charity. Janet studied at the RNCM from 2001 to 2007 and received a BMus, PGDip, and MMus from the School of Vocal Studies and Opera. She is also Co-Chair of arts and community regeneration charity Intra Community Trust but began her career as an operatic soprano and has performed extensively in the UK, Europe, Asia, and North America.

Conductor and RNCM Fellow Richard Farnes also receives the CBE for his services to Music. Formerly the Music Director of Opera North, Richard was presented with Fellowship of the RNCM in 2014 in recognition of his distinguished career in opera and symphonic music.

They join more than 100 people across the UK named in the New Year Honours for their outstanding contributions to education, skills, children’s services, and social care. This year’s honours have particularly highlighted individuals who have improved the lives of children, young people, and families through teaching, early years support, further education, skills programmes, and special educational needs services. Many recipients have worked to improve opportunities for disadvantaged communities and to raise educational standards nationally.

The RNCM would also like to extend congratulations to others receiving honours this year, including Counsellor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, who received an OBE for services to local government, and Julia Fawcett, CEO of The Lowry, who was awarded a CBE for services to art and creative industry.

5 January 2026