Performance
Performance is central to conservatoire training and one of the most exciting things about studying at the RNCM.
As one of the UK’s busiest live music venues, we offer a diverse public programme of solo, chamber, and collaborative opportunities across all genres.
Flagship ensembles include the RNCM Symphony, Chamber, Opera, and Wind Orchestras, Brass Band, Big Band, Session Orchestra (which brings together students from our Classical and Popular Music programmes), and the Manchester Contemporary Orchestra.
Innovation, creativity, collaboration, and co-curation are strongly encouraged through initiatives such as our MIUAWGA Improv Ensemble, Spotlight Series, and Lab Week, which enable students to experiment, challenge convention, and develop new work in a ‘safe to fail’ environment, while still benefiting from the experience of sharing their ideas with public audiences. We also host festivals throughout the year, including the International Brass Band Festival and days dedicated to specific instruments, offering students the chance to work with leading international composers, conductors, and performers.
Multiple opportunities also exist for RNCM singers, including two fully staged opera productions (video) led by a professional creative team, numerous concerts of opera excerpts, and a yearly Children’s Opera co-created from scratch with over 100 pupils from local primary schools. Added to this, all RNCM students can take part in our Chamber and Gospel Choirs, as well as our Symphony Chorus, which forms a key part of every first-year undergraduate’s ensembles skills training.
For those studying Popular Music, partnerships with institutions in Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Rotterdam, and Valencia provide enviable opportunities for performances and networking, while our close relationship with the BBC ensures emerging artists can develop and showcase original work through initiatives such as the BBC Introducing @ RNCM festival.
Externally, our Artist Agency secures hundreds of paid engagements across Manchester, the North, and the wider UK. Students have recently performed at major festivals such as the BBC Proms and Manchester International Festival, as well as internationally across Europe, China, and Australia