14/06/2025 RNCM Session Orchestra: Original Artists Edition

Enjoy an unrivalled evening in the city as we present the next generation of artists and their original music with live orchestra. We’re thrilled to showcase students from our Popular Music department where trailblazing artists like Porij, The Larkins, and Lucy Deakin made their start.

Programme

Hetta Falzon:
Freckles
Belly Laugh
The Rabbit Hole
Sobering
Kamea Nemeth, Felix Do arrangers

Hamish Levie:
Rather Be You
The Rest
Scattergun
Hello Juliette
Heavens Crowd
Oliver Gaunt, Yijia Zhang arrangers

Róise Mchugh:
Television
Immune
Blow To My Ego
Rum Makes Me Cry
Strip The Bed
Rob Hughes, Kuba Williams arrangers

Jack Critchlow:
So Easy
Devils Water
Another Man
Lucy’s Diamonds
Shadow
Peter Bailey, Frank Adlam arrangers

After all four bands perform, you’ll hear music from Charlotte Naylor (vocals) and Connor O’Hara (piano) whilst the panel deliberate who will receive this year’s RNCM Pop Gold Medal.

Performers

Andy Stott director
Steph Godwin assistant conductor

Hetta Falzon’s Band:

Hetta Falzon vocals and piano
Ozzi Hunt drums
Ryan Bee bass
Sam Nutt French horn
Jess Foxwell flute
Cara Smith clarinet

Hamish Levie’s Band:

Hamish Levie vocals, piano, synth and guitars
Will Noordewier organ, keys, guitar and vocals
Ozzi Hunt drums
Wilf Richards guitar
Ben Smith bass

Róise McHugh’s Band:

Róise Mchugh vocals and guitars
Seth Ling keys and vocals
Aoife Anson-Oconnell bass, cello and vocals
Wilf Richards guitar
Ozzi Hunt drums and percussion

Jack Critchlow’s Band:

Jack Critchlow vocals and guitars
Luke Pudney electric guitar
Connor O’hara keys
Daniel Orchard bass
Sachin Patel drums

RNCM Session Ensemble:

Kaylee Bontrager, Ellie Shek first violins
Hanna Shamihova, Iona Frenguelli second violins
Ilana Tapper, Abi Hammett violas
Kamogelo Maraba, Yong Jian Ooi cellos
Oliver Pritchard Jones alto saxophone
Aidan Bryson tenor saxophone
Honor Farley, Devon Allen trumpets
Nathan Joseph trombone
Christian Holyoake percussion

Music during panel deliberation:

Charlotte Naylor vocals
Connor O’Hara piano

About

Róise McHugh

Photo of female with long brown hair

Originally from Belfast, Róise McHugh is now part of Manchester’s vibrant music scene. She writes intimate, brutally honest indie pop, drawing inspiration from artists like Lizzy McAlpine, Leith Ross, and Laura Marling. Her sound moves between playful pop and wistful ballads.

Jack Critchlow

Photo of male with dark blue lighting and background

A songwriter and producer from North Yorkshire and now based in Manchester, Jack fuses elements of pop, singer-songwriter, indie, R&B, and electronic music. He’s crafted a distinctive pop sound, writing and producing all his tracks independently.

Hamish Levie

Male in white t-shirt with cloudy background

Scottish-born Hamish Levie trained as a classical dancer from the age of 13 and found his way back to music during lockdown, when he began producing and writing his own songs. With new music on the way this year, Hamish’s sound blends alt-pop and indie-rock influences, drawing inspiration from artists like Dominic Fike and Paolo Nutini, as well as his diverse creative background.

Hetta Falzon

Female with brown hair sitting at piano

Singer-songwriter Hetta Falzon, originally from Somerset and now based in Manchester, combines her jazz, pop, and classical roots to inspire a unique melodic world, driven by her desire to move people. Her intricate melodies, paired with raw emotional storytelling, reveal music that is as musically captivating as it is relatable.