New Music

Initiatives such as our In Focus series of public workshops, masterclasses, and performances enable composition students to develop their craft alongside some of the world’s most critically acclaimed composers. Many gain opportunities to work with professional ensembles during their studies. Recent In Focus guests include David Fennessy, George Lewis, Laurence Crane, and Roxanna Panufnik. 

Across three events each year, the Manchester Contemporary Orchestra offers students and audiences a front‑row seat to fearless, original music fresh off the page, shaped by a city and conservatoire rooted in the radical legacy of the Manchester School. 

No longer confined to traditional orchestral formats, today’s composers explore a wide range of ensemble configurations, often incorporating electronics and expanded instrumentation. Manchester Contemporary Orchestra mirrors this shift, providing a dynamic platform for students to experiment with large‑scale forces in new and unexpected ways. 

RNCM Spotlights is a vibrant student-led performance series that gives musicians the opportunity to curate and present their own artistic projects in a professional concert setting. Showcasing the creativity, individuality, and entrepreneurial spirit of our students, performances span a wide range of genres, themes, and collaborations. Regularly programmed alongside major RNCM concerts and visiting artists, the series offers valuable experience in artistic planning, programming, performance, and audience engagement.

RNCM Lab Week is an annual event that encourages students from all disciplines to push the boundaries of traditional music practice and develop their creativity in a supportive, ‘safe to fail’ environment. 

Bringing together students, staff, visiting artists, and industry professionals, it provides opportunities to develop new ideas, work across disciplines, and engage in innovative projects, workshops, and performances. Whether exploring new repertoire, testing creative concepts, or building professional networks, Lab Week encourages students to take artistic risks, expand their skills, and discover new directions in their practice.

New music also plays a central role within RNCM’s popular music programme, where students are encouraged to develop their skills as independent artists. Our Session Orchestra: Original Artists showcase offers bands and soloists the chance to perform new work to public audiences.

Launched in 2026, BBC Introducing @ RNCM is a unique collaboration between the RNCM and the BBC’s flagship platform for emerging artists, showcasing the next generation of musical talent from RNCM’s Popular Music programme. Bringing together BBC tastemakers, industry professionals, and live audiences, the festival provides an invaluable platform for discovery, helping exceptional young artists take the next step in their creative careers.