RNCM Autumn Season

Johnny James, Managing Editor

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RNCM Autumn Season

13 October-13 December 2024

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Female with white suit sitting on piano stool singing
Madeline Bell by Tatiana Gorilovsky.
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You can always count on the RNCM to deliver an electrifying Autumn Season. From soul legends to fantastical opera, live art to dance’s cutting edge, we select our highlights below, alongside a separate round-up of the College’s brand new Inspirational Artists series.

Two of our highlights tap into the same theme of Dance:Music — one the RNCM will explore in depth over their 2024/25 season, exploring the symbiotic relationship between these two art forms. The RNCM Symphony Orchestra’s performance in November takes an alternative look at symphonic dance works, while in December, ArkEnsemble and dancers from Company Chameleon collaborate on an immersive experience that transcends the ordinary.

Talking of cross-arts collaboration, a must for families is the next Young Explorers event, A Symphony of Stories, which sees renowned author and artist James Mayhew bring his illustrations to life live on stage, against the backdrop of orchestral favourites by Holst, Stravinsky and Ravel.

Another feast for the senses comes with the RNCM’s latest opera: Emmanuel Chabrier’s L’étoile. Expect a rollercoaster of humorous happenings, mistaken identities, and comical disguises, with a score that takes all kinds of delicious twists and turns. Finally, a legend takes to the RNCM stage in the form of soul singer Madeline Bell. Working with everyone from Dusty Springfield to Scott Walker, The Rolling Stones to Elton John, Bell – despite now being in her 80s – remains a tour de force on stage, her voice shining as brightly as ever.

Our top picks

Inspirational Artists at RNCM

Inspirational Artists at Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), Manchester, 26 September 2025–16 June 2026, From £12.50 - Book now

Concurrently with its Autumn Season, the RNCM launches its brand new Inspirational Artists series, spotlighting a huge range of touring musicians and ensembles, each bringing something unique to the stage.

Abel Selaocoe_Spring 2026_credit Phil Sharp_sq
Abel Selaocoe. Image courtesy of Phil Sharp.

Where to go near RNCM Autumn Season

Manchester
Restaurant
San Carlo Fumo

San Carlo Fumo is a sun trap on St Peter’s Square, serving up traditional Italian food at its best

Utility Gift Shop
Manchester
Shop
Utility Gift Shop

Utility Gift Shop on Oxford Road is all about products that are new, unique, quirky and cool. High street shopping at its best.

exterior of Contact Theatre building
Manchester
Theatre
Contact Theatre

Following a major redevelopment, the iconic venue on Oxford Road will be reopening its doors to welcome the public back into the building this autumn. 

The Salutation pub in Manchester
Manchester
Bar or Pub
The Salutation

This traditional boozer, surrounded by imposing flats and university buildings, was taken over by Trof (of the Deaf Institute fame). The Sally, as the regulars call it, hosts an energetic, arty crowd – and its recently expanded outside area is another good reason to visit.

What's on: Music

MusicManchester
Manchester Psych Fest 2025

Manchester Psych Fest, the UK’s trailblazing psychedelic music and arts festival has announced a massive bill for its 2025 edition.

From £44.80
Summer at Aviva Studios
Until
ActivityManchester
Summer at Aviva Studios

From global dance and live music to storytelling, skateboarding and football, get ready for a dream summer on the banks of the River Irwell.

Free entry
the band
MusicLeeds
DIIV at Project House

Emerging from a four-year crucible of creative tension and personal reckoning, Brooklyn shoegazers DIIV return to Leeds.

From £22.50
Blondshell by Hannah Bon.
MusicManchester
Blondshell at New Century

With sardonic wit, towering hooks and distortion dialled high, Blondshell lands at New Century this September, armed with album number two.

From £24.00
Lyra Pramuk by Leonardo Scotti
MusicManchester
Lyra Pramuk at The White Hotel

Part prayer, part protest, part dancefloor séance – Lyra Pramuk brings her otherworldly live show to The White Hotel.

From £19.60
Sans Froid
MusicLeeds
Sans Froid at Wharf Chambers

Smart, eccentric, and gleefully out of step with trends – Bristol quartet Sans Froid bring their tangled, piano-led art-rock to Leeds.

From £8.00

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