Frederic Cox

Name: Frederic Cox

Role: Principal, RMCM, 1953 – 1970

Key fact: Frederic Cox was the fourth, and last, Principal of the Royal Manchester College of Music, following in the footsteps of Sir Charles Hallé, Adolph Brodsky and Robert Jaffrey Forbes. He served in post for 17 years from 1953 and was instrumental in leading the amalgamation of the Royal Manchester College of Music and Northern School of Music before joining the newly established RNCM as a vocal tutor. Frederic passed away in 1985 and in January 1986 we presented a memorial concert featuring Verdi’s Requiem, with former RMCM students as soloists. One month later, the Frederic Cox Award for Singing was established. The annual award still takes place today with past winners including Sir Simon Keenlyside, Amanda Roocroft, and Kathryn Rudge.

Did you know? Frederic taught a number of singers who went on to have acclaimed careers, including Anne Howells, Elizabeth Harwood, Rosalind Plowright, and Ann Murray.