WHAT'S ON AT THE RNCM, MANCHESTER
RNCM – The Royal Northern College Of Music is a conservatoire of The Royal Schools Of Music based in Manchester. As well as an education establishment, it also houses two venues. With a history dating back to the 1800’s, its current home on Oxford Road Manchester opened in 1973, with a refurbishment of the concert hall completing in 2014.
RNCM Concert Hall (capacity 443 - 710) and the RNCM Theatre (capacity approx. 600) have hosted many professional artists and organisations including Adele, BC Big Band, English Youth Ballet, Hugh Laurie, Jarvis Cocker, Manchester Jazz Festival, Rob Brydon and even Question Time.
RNCM has music programmes and series, shows, events, festivals, productions, concerts, comedy and ballets to look forward to including regular Monday and Thursday lunchtime showcase, Manchester Camarata, BBC Philharmonic, Chamber music, An Evening With Francis Rossi, The Blow Monkeys and The Christians, and The Van Morrison Alumni Band. See what's on at the RNCM below and book tickets online.
Most Popular Shows and Events at RNCM, Manchester
What's On at the RNCM, Manchester
Germaine Kruip - A Possibility

RNCM Theatre
Thursday 17 - Sunday 20 July 2025
A Possibility is a new artwork for the theatre by Dutch artist Germaine Kruip exploring the possibilities of perception, sound and performance. Performed at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), the piece features new compositions by ...Do You Own the Dançefloor? (15) + Q&A

RNCM Theatre
Saturday 30 August 2025
Step back into the legendary world of The Hacienda, the iconic Manchester nightclub that defined an era with this 10th anniversary screening of Do You Own the Dancefloor? featuring special guests and a Q&A. This documentary captures the un...CANCELLED: Do You Own the Dançefloor

RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 30 August 2025
We regret to announce that due to unforeseen circumstances, the 10th anniversary screening of Do You Own the Dan?efloor? at the RNCM on Saturday 30 August 2025 has been cancelled, and all tickets will be refunded. Step back into the legenda...Northern Doctors' Orchestra

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 7 September 2025
ProgrammeBedrich Smetana M? VlastLudwig van Beethoven Piano Concerto No 3 in C minor Op 37Antonin Dvo??k Symphony No 7 in D minor Op 70PerformersJulian Davis pianoRohan Shotton conductorNorthern Doctors? OrchestraAboutThe Northern Doctors? ...No Rolls Barred

RNCM Theatre
Tuesday 9 September 2025
No Rolls Barred is one of the UK's top tabletop channels on YouTube, a bunch of friends and comedians playing board games to show you just how fun board gaming can be. Famous for their regular series' House Rules, Board Game Club and Bl...Luke Morley (Thunder)

RNCM Concert Hall
Thursday 11 September 2025
Luke Morley has stood at the very heart of UK rockers Thunder since 1989 as their guitarist, chief songwriter and producer. He's been a lynchpin in their 14 albums' success and served a crucial role in building up these rock heroes' loyal f...AURI

RNCM Theatre
Friday 12 September 2025
In the fleeting moments between the state of being awake and reaching the doors of dreamworld lies a borderland whence comes the mood music of ancient stories told - the celestial unison of three creative souls known as AURI. Originally bor...Zain Zohaib

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 21 September 2025
AboutZain Zohaib ? UK Qawwali Tour 2025After two long years, the soulful Sufi duo Zain Zohaib return to the UK, bringing with them a Qawwali experience like no other. From the heartfelt verses of Ranjheya Ve to the electrifying energy of Th...Manchester Camerata: Beethoven Triple Concerto

RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 23 September 2025
ProgrammeCaroline Shaw Entr?acte: A Minuet & TrioLudwig van Beethoven Triple Concerto for violin, cello and piano in C major Op 56Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No 4 in A major Op 90 ?Italian?PerformersBenjamin Huth conductorKry?tof Kohout viol...Attacca Quartet

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 26 September 2025
ProgrammeJohn Dowland arr Nathan Schram Flow My TearsPhilip Glass Quartet SatzArvo P?rt SummaAnne M?ller arr Domenic Salerni Drifting CirclesJacobus Clemens non Papa arr Amy Schroeder Ego flos campiJohn Bennet Weep, O Mine EyesDmitri Shosta...Spotlight: COME ON BRISBANE

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 26 September 2025
ProgrammeSalina Fisher YaboMaxwell Shearer The Beat (world premiere)Zachary Cassard Gweela (world premiere)Corrina Bonshek Far Eastern Curlew LamentPerformersEmily Ampt violinDan Shearer celloAboutPart of Legends and LoreFour pieces, three ...RNCM Monday Lunchtime Showcase

RNCM Concert Hall
Monday 29 September - Monday 8 December 2025
Drop in during your lunch break and discover a wide range of performances for free with the RNCM's Monday and Thursday Lunchtime concerts. Witness the next generation of musicians in this intimate lunchtime solo and chamber music series,...Peter Hammill
RNCM, Manchester
Wednesday 1 October 2025
RNCM pre-sale Thu 3 Jul 2025 at 10AMGeneral on sale Fri 4 Jul 2025 at 10AMAboutPeter Hammill, as a solo artist or in the band he formed, Van der Graaf Generator, has been a working singer, songwriter and musician for the last fifty-five yea...Thursday Lunchtimes: RNCM Piano Ensemble

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 2 October 2025
ProgrammeRichard Wagner arr John Wilson Tannh?user Overture (arranged for 4 pianos) *Lucian Amette Crosby Shangri-La beneath the summer moon (world premiere) ^Adrian Sutton Aerobatics Over Lake Wanaka +PerformersGraham Scott *, Adam Swayne ...DakhaBrakha

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 3 October 2025
ДахаБраха (pronounced "DakhaBrakha") is a music quartet from Kyiv, Ukraine making a world of unexpected new music with its uncompromising vocal range and self-proclaimed "ethno-chaos." The group was created in 2004 at the Center of...New Dawn Fades: A Play About Joy Division and Manchester

RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 4 - Friday 10 October 2025
The brand-new stage production of New Dawn Fades: A Play About Joy Division & Manchester celebrates its 10th anniversary. The new touring production is written by Brian Gorman, produced & directed by Giles D Bastow and Sean Mason fo...Manchester Collective: Shaker Loops

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 5 October 2025
ProgrammeDobrinka Tabakova Such Different PathsKaija Saariaho String Quartet No 2 ?Terra Memoria?Traditional arr Rakhi Singh Veni Creator SpiritusJohn Adams Shaker Loops with new text by Christ BryanPerformersChrist Bryan spoken wordManches...Spotlight: Trios for Trumpet Trombone and Piano

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 5 October 2025
ProgrammeJoseph Turrin FandangoRicardo Moll? Diamond HandsDerek Bourgeois Trio for Trumpet, Trombone and Piano Op 285Herbert L Clarke CousinsPerformersLewis Barton trumpetNathan Joseph tenor tromboneBen Attfield pianoAboutAn exciting trio c...RNCM Brass Band

RNCM Concert Hall
Thursday 9 October 2025
Established during the 1990s by brass innovator Howard Snell, the RNCM Brass Band has always been a flagship ensemble of the institution. Geographically the RNCM is ideally placed in Manchester for brass band students and it boasts a teachi...Folklore: Ceri Houlbrook in Conversation with Mel Giles

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 9 October 2025
AboutPart of Legends and LoreTwo leading experts in the weird yet everyday world of British folklore celebrate the launch of a definitive and gripping new guide. Author Ceri Holbrook appears in conversation about her new book, co-written by...Spotlight: NOMAD Presents Witching Hour

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 9 October 2025
ProgrammeDonald Grant The Witch of LeanachanSam Kane Will o? the WispsNOMAD Fiddler?s DreamMissy Mazzoli Quartet for Queen MabSam Kane EarthsongRadiohead arr Ailsa Burns Burn the WitchPerformersIona Kaye voiceElena Orsi, Ailsa Burns violins...Simon & Oscar (Ocean Colour Scene)

RNCM Theatre
Saturday 11 October 2025
In 2015 Ocean Colour Scene celebrated their 25th Anniversary with a sell-out acoustic tour of some of the most prestigious UK Concert Halls, it was not only their most successful for 15 years, but also their best received, with ecstatic aud...Francis Rossi (Status Quo)

RNCM Theatre
Sunday 12 October 2025
Co-founder, lead singer, lead guitarist and the sole continuous member of the legendary rock band Status Quo, Francis Rossi embarks on a solo tour performing fan favourites from a remarkable 50+year career. Also known as the GOMOR (The...RNCM Young Explorers: Fairytales Folklore and Fantasy

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 12 October 2025
ProgrammeMalcolm Arnold Tam O?Shanter OverturePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Sleeping Beauty: Suite (excerpts)John Powell arr Sean O?Loughlin How to Train Your DragonHarry Gregson-Williams The Chronicles of Narnia: SuiteEdvard Grieg Peer Gynt: Su...Manchester Contemporary Orchestra: Mythical Beasts

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 16 October 2025
ProgrammeRNCM Students New miniature works inspired by Borge and Margarita Guerrero?s The Book of Imaginary BeingsRNCM Students New works inspired by mythical beastsAnthony Gilbert Six of the BestiaryAnthony Gilbert Quartet of Beasts?Perfor...Spotlight: Mozart's Idomeneo - A Myth Reimagined

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 16 October 2025
ProgrammeWolfgang Amadeus Mozart Idomeneo (abridged version)PerformersEsther Shea IliaJay Broadhurst IdomeneoEllie Forrester ElettraMerel-Magali Cox IdamanteEdward Wenborn La Voce/NeptuneTom Henderson pianoAboutOne vow, divine wrath, and a ...Thursday Lunchtimes: Juna Quartet

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 16 October 2025
ProgrammeJoseph Haydn Quartet in B flat major Op 76 No 4 ?Sunrise? (movement 1)Jessie Montgomery StrumCaroline Shaw PunctumMax Richter On the Nature of DaylightVision String Quartet CopenhagenPerformersJuna Quartet:Archie Freeman, Nina Doig...Eddi Reader (Fairground Attraction)

RNCM Concert Hall
Saturday 18 October 2025
The supremely talented, unique and charismatic triple BRIT award-winning Scottish folk pop singer delivers the most consistently beautiful, often deeply personal and intimate songs, including the charming acoustic pop of 1988 chart-topper P...The Blow Monkeys + The Christians

RNCM Theatre
Saturday 18 October 2025
British pop royalty, The Blow Monkeys and The Christians have announced a co-headline UK tour. Both bands continue to create great new music and are live acts to be reckoned with. The Blow Monkeys' new album Birdsong will be released ahea...O'Hooley & Tidow

RNCM Concert Hall
Tuesday 21 October 2025
After 15 years of performing together, eight studio albums, four BBC Folk Award nominations, composing Gentleman Jack as the BBC/HBO drama theme tune and hundreds of venues and festivals across the UK and Europe, the much loved Yorkshire...Spotlight: Harry Lines (singer-songwriter)

RNCM, Manchester
Tuesday 21 October 2025
PerformersHarry Lines vocals and guitarAboutHarry Lines sets the mood with songs from his latest EP Landslide, blending folk and modern soul with effortless style.?TicketsFree admission, no ticket requiredPromoted by RNCM. This event will e...Seth Parker Woods (cello)

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 23 October 2025
ProgrammeJ S Bach Sarabande from Suite No 1 in G major BWV 1007Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson Calvary Ostinato from Lamentations: Black/Folk Song SuiteGiacinto Scelsi MaknonganFredrick Gifford Difficult Grace for speaking cellist and electronic...Spotlight: Con Ritmo y Alma - Vocal Music…

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 23 October 2025
ProgrammeFernando Obradors Con amores, la mi madreFernando Obradors Chiquitita la NoviaAlberto Nepomuceno Trovas TristesMar?a Grever Te quiero, dijisteMar?a Grever J?rameDaniel Cat?n Esc?chameEduard Toldra Acuarela del MontsenyPerformersGab...Thursday Lunchtimes: RNCM Wind Ensembles

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 23 October 2025
ProgrammeTo include:Carl Reinecke Octet in B flat major Op 216PerformersKevin Gowland fluteStudents from the School of Wind, Brass and PercussionAboutDrop in during your lunch break and discover a wide range of performances for free with ou...RNCM Session Orchestra: I'm Your Venus

RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 25 October 2025
Programme7pm / Support: M?r Gunnarsson8pm / RNCM Session OrchestraSetlistJupiter (Earth, Wind & Fire)Apollo (St Paul & The Broken Bones)Helios (The Cr?xshadows)Venus (Lady Gaga/Bananarama)Orpheus (Sara Bareilles)Persephone (Tamino)Icarus (B...Julie Fowlis

RNCM Theatre
Monday 27 October 2025
"If snow could sing, it would sing like Julie Fowlis..." ... this is how her pure Northern voice was described by acclaimed nature writer Robert Macfarlane. Hailing from the Outer Hebrides and now based in the Highlands, Julie Fowlis is ...Thursday Lunchtimes: NOVO Quartet

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 30 October 2025
ProgrammeJoseph Haydn Quartet No 68 in D minor Op 103 Hob III:83Bed?ich Smetana Quartet No 1 in E minor ?From My Life?PerformersNOVO Quartet:Kaya Kato M?ller, Nikolai Vasili Nedergaard violinsDaniel ?ledzi?ski violaSigne Ebstrup Bitsch cell...RNCM Symphony Orchestra

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 31 October 2025
Antony Hermus returns to conduct RNCM students in a performance of one of Mahler's most profound works - an awe-inspiring journey from darkness to light. Mahler is alone in his ability to convey emotions at their most extreme, from ang...Hallé Chamber Series: John Adams Chamber Symphony

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 31 October 2025
ProgrammeJohn Adams Chamber SymphonyJohn Adams Hallelujah JunctionJohn Adams John?s Book of Alleged DancesPerformersEuan Shields conductor?Eliza McCarthy, James McVinnie pianoMusicians from the Hall? and RNCMAboutAlongside the symphonic pie...Spotlight: Elin Grace (indie-folk singer)

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 31 October 2025
PerformersElin Grace vocals and guitarAboutFolk meets jazz and classical in Elin Grace?s story-rich songs. Raw, intimate lyrics are paired with lush arrangements for band, woodwind and strings.?TicketsFree admission, no ticket requiredPromo...Pipe Up Manchester 2025

RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 1 November 2025
AboutBringing visibility, sense of community and pride, this festival unites the small but perfectly formed, the developing and the budding LGBTQ+ choirs from around the UK and Ireland.3pm? / Workshop4pm / Concert7.30pm / ConcertThis event ...RNCM Saxophone Day

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 2 November 2025
The UK's largest annual sax gathering returns for another sensational day celebrating all things saxophone. Join us as we throw open our doors and welcome players of all ages and abilities in a day jam-packed with participatory workshops...Branford Marsalis and Julian Joseph

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 2 November 2025
AboutPart of RNCM Saxophone DayJazz finds its past, its future, and everything in between in Branford Marsalis. From his early acclaim as a young jazz lion, Marsalis has continually expanded his reach as an instrumentalist, composer, bandle...Marsalis-McAllister-Ames Trio

RNCM, Manchester
Sunday 2 November 2025
AboutPart of RNCM Saxophone DayFew musicians navigate the worlds of jazz and classical music as seamlessly as Branford Marsalis. A three-time GRAMMY Award winner, Marsalis is celebrated for his versatility and commanding presence on stage. ...Beth Nielsen Chapman & Judie Tzuke

RNCM Theatre
Wednesday 5 November 2025
Two of the most revered female singer-songwriters unite for an evening of unparalleled music. Texas singer Beth Nielsen Chapman has been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame while London folk pop rocker Judie Tzuke is best ...Poulenc Gloria and Fauré Requiem

RNCM, Manchester
Saturday 8 November 2025
PerformersJuliet Montgomery sopranoAidan Edwards baritoneJonathan Scott organSteven Roberts conductorAltrincham Choral SocietyAboutAltrincham Choral Society, under the baton of Steven Roberts, perform two seminal French sacred choral works,...The Amy Winehouse Band

RNCM Theatre
Wednesday 12 November 2025
In this stunning retrospective show, Amy's original band fronted by the exceptional young vocalist Bronte Shand, celebrate her era defining music and live performances. This is the only completely authentic re-imagining of the Amy Wineh...Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: Sing and Swing

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 13 November 2025
On sale Fri 20 Jun 2025 at 10AMSing and Swing from Jazz at Lincoln Center PRESENTS, celebrates the Great American Songbook in all of its playful ? and sophisticated glory ? brought to life by one of this generation?s brightest stars, Benny ...Thursday Lunchtimes: RNCM Chamber Choir

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 13 November 2025
ProgrammeJonathan Dove The Passing of the YearEdward Elgar There is Sweet Music Op 54 No 1Rebecca Dale In Paradisum from Materna RequiemRNCM Student New workPerformersStuart Overington, Davide Trolton conductorsRNCM Chamber ChoirAboutDrop i...Kantos Chamber Choir: The Witch Trials

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 14 November 2025
ProgrammeAnon Gregorian PlainchantGregorio Allegri MiserereCarlo Gesualdo O vos omnesWilliam Byrd Ave MariaBarbara Strozzi arr Slorach Che si pu? fare?Rory Wainwright Johnston Ave MariaGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina Sicut cervusCamden Ree...Spotlight: Chinese Folk Stories Reimagined

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 14 November 2025
ProgrammeRuxin Zhang Mulan (???)Lin Gan From snow area of prayer (????)Mingwu Yin Jasmine Flower (???)PerformersYulin Zhu, Yangyi Mao sopranosKaiying Tan, Na Gao mezzo-sopranosXingyue Lai tenorGuanxiang Wang baritoneYucheng Huo bassYuou Wan...The Van Morrison Alumni Band

RNCM Theatre
Saturday 15 November 2025
An all-star revue staring long-time members of Van Morrison's band. The Van Morrison Alumni Band, a repertoire company unlike any other, features the musicians who played thousands of concerts and recorded hundreds of songs with Van Morriso...The John Barbirolli Memorial Prize for Cello

Carol Nash Recital Room
Wednesday 19 November 2025
This annual prize celebrates solo cello at its best. With past winners including Abel Selaocoe and Mikhail Nemtsov, join us and experience the next generation of cellists. ...RNCM Wind Orchestra with Francesca Chiejina (soprano)

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 20 November 2025
ProgrammeHenry Dorn I, too, am America (UK premiere) *Elena Adams New workEdward Gregson Piano ConcertoOliver Gaunt New workStephen McNeff MonstersPerformersMark Heron, Steph Godwin, Mariacostanza D?Agostino conductorsFrancesca Chiejina sop...Spotlight: A Tour of Renaissance Europe

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 20 November 2025
ProgrammeSpain:Anonymous Dadme albricias, hijos d?EvaAnonymous E la don don, Verges MariaJuan del Encina Una Sa?osa Porf?aEngland:Henry VIII Pastime with Good CompanyJohn Ward Weep Forth Your TearsFrance:Cl?ment Janequin O Doulx RegardJosqu...Thursday Lunchtimes: Dovestone Quartet

RNCM, Manchester
Thursday 20 November 2025
ProgrammeLudwig van Beethoven String Quartet No 11 in F minor Op. 95 ?Serioso?Gabriella Smith Carrot RevolutionPerformersDovestone String Quartet:Georgina Bloomfield, Rachel Stonham violinsPaula Bowes violaMaya Tucker celloAboutDrop in duri...Faust: A German Folk Legend

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 21 November 2025
ProgrammeFaust: A German Folk Legend (1926)Directed by F.W. MurnauSilent film with English-translated intertitlesPerformersDarius Battiwalla organAboutPart of Legends and LoreWhat would you trade for eternal youth and boundless power?Few le...Spotlight: Cras' Quintet for Harp Flute and Strings

RNCM, Manchester
Friday 21 November 2025
ProgrammeJean Cras Quintet for harp, flute, violin, viola and celloPerformersKimberly Wong harpJess Foxwell fluteFinn Nguyen violinKirin Howat violaMaisie McLoughlin celloAboutA musical voyage by naval officer and composer Jean Cras. Inspir...Penguin Cafe

RNCM Concert Hall
Saturday 22 November 2025
Avant-pop from musician, composer, and producer Arthur Jeffes and his Penguin Cafe ensemble, performing music from their Handfuls of Night record and back catalogue. Combining folk, classical, and minimalism in a style distinctive to the Pe...James Mottram International Piano Competition

RNCM Concert Hall
Monday 24 - Saturday 29 November 2025
The RNCM James Mottram International Piano Competition returns this Autumn. Now in its eighth edition, we're delighted to host this biennial event once again. Young pianists from across the globe will join us for an extraordinary week, pe...How to get to the RNCM, Manchester
RNCM Frequently Asked Questions
124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD
The two closest public car parks to the RNCM are Booth Street West and Booth Street East.
Visitor parking is available in the RNCM underground carpark weekdays and Saturdays 5pm - 11.30pm and Sundays 6am - 11.30pm.
Please note that general traffic along Oxford Road is no longer permitted to use the route between 6am and 9pm, 7 days a week.
The nearest train station to the RNCM is Manchester Oxford Road and is approximately a 13 minute walk (0.5 miles).
Manchester Piccadilly is 0.8 miles/20 minute walk. Deansgate is 0.9 miles/21 minute walk and Manchester Victoria is 1.5 miles/33 minute walk.
The nearest tram stop to the RNCM is St Peter’s Square and is approximately a 15 minute walk (0.8 miles).
The RNCM Concert Hall has a seating capacity of between 443 - 710 depending on the layout.
The RNCM Theatre has a seating capacity of 600.
Click here for seating plans.
Please contact The RNCM directly. For further information on ticketing, please visit their how to book page.
If you would like to buy a ticket in person from RNCM Box Office, they open one hour prior to the event starting, and can only facilitate in person bookings for the performance showing on the day.
Alternatively, you can see what's on and book online here.
When we know of a duration of a show, we add it to the description of the show on our event pages. For example, on our Wicked event page, after the description of the show we have added the duration of the show in large capital letters. If the time isn't listed, we do not have the information yet. We update our pages daily so it maybe a case of knowing closer to the performance itself, so keep checking.
The RNCM curfew is 11pm. More precise timings are often confirmed close to the performance date.
Please visit the RNCM's Access Page for further information and to find out how to get in touch.
Whether you have positive or negative feedback you would like to feedback to RNCM, please click here for more contact information.
If you have lost an item during a visit to RNCM Manchester, click here to contact the venue.
With loads of great places to eat in Manchester and decent pre-theatre menus, you should check out our Manchester Restaurant site here!
Manchester is full of great bars and pubs and some decent ones close to the venue. Check out our Manchester Bar site here!
Either use the map at the side of the FAQ section as it has all types of accomodation or click here for hotels in Manchester.
f you need further information about your visit to The RNCM, click here for further information or contact the RNCM team directly.
Please note that LiverpoolTheatres.com isn't the venue itself. We promote what's on at the RNCM and all other venues in Liverpool and the local region. Feel free to contact us if you need more help though and we'll do our best to support you.