RNCM Session Orchestra: Original Artists Edition at RNCM

Johnny James, Managing Editor

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RNCM Session Orchestra: Original Artists Edition

15 June 2024

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

Photo of female artist singing in microphone
The RNCM Session Orchestra.
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Join the RNCM on 15 June and hear the next generation of popular artists from the College perform their original music accompanied by the RNCM Session Orchestra.

From Porij to The Larkins to Lucy Deakin, so many great artists on the Manchester scene cut their teeth in the RNCM’s Popular Music department. And while many have now graduated to larger stages, they once performed in showcases such as this one, where you can catch a glimpse of those next in line to become professional artists.

Students performing on theatre stage
The RNCM Session Orchestra by Roscoe Rutter.

Four of the department’s trailblazers will perform with the backing of the 40-piece RNCM Session Orchestra, which encompasses a rhythm section, strings, horns, percussion and vocalists.

Photo of young male with gold necklace
Freddy Gillmore.

First up it’s Freddy Gillmore, whose ’70s-inflected alternative music exists in a dark and cinematic world, with touchstones including Jeff Buckley. Next, She’s Mine is pitched as “the sonic marriage of FKA Twigs, Billie Eilish, Lorde and Grimes”, and brings a display of gothic grandeur and porcelain tenderness in alt-pop form. For part of the set, she’ll be joined by rapper planet.w.e.s.m.o, with whom she’s just written a rap/RnB album.

Photo of female covered in flowers
She’s Mine.

Two singer-songwriters complete the line-up. May Payne is known for feeding raw emotion into her RnB-infused ballads. Grounded within the warmth and power of her top tier band, May’s intricate production embellishments are reminiscent of the likes of Lizzy Mcalpine and Phoebe Bridgers. Grete Eitmantyte, meanwhile, fuses jazz, soul and RnB into a unique musical aesthetic, propelled by a miraculous voice and natural charisma.

Photo of female in plaid shirt
May Payne.

It’s always special to catch a great artist performing live while they’re still flying under the radar, discovering their defining creative voice. Here’s your opportunity to catch four of them as part of the RNCM Summer Season.

Photo of female covered in sand
Grete Eitmantyte.

Where to go near RNCM Session Orchestra: Original Artists Edition at RNCM

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.

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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. 

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Manchester
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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.

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