RNCM Wind, Brass and Percussion Festival

Chris Horkan

Visit now

RNCM Wind, Brass and Percussion Festival

22 April 2018

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

Boston Brass
Book now

A building-wide event, the RNCM Wind, Brass and Percussion Festival offers 10 different events and performances over the course of almost 12 hours.

Kicking off with pop-up performances from 10.30am onwards, the day features the RNCM’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble performing John Mackey’s Concerto for Soprano Saxophone (11.30am, Concert Hall, Free), followed by Mysteries of the Macabre (11.15pm, Theatre, Free), a concert with nods to Jimi Hendrix (courtesy of David Lang’s Are You Experienced?) and Elvis Presley (via Michael Daugherty’s Dead Elvis) – with electric tuba and bassoon playing the starring roles respectively.

The RNCM’s Brass Band tackles monsters in the afternoon (4.30pm, Theatre, Free), meanwhile, with a mythical giant snake and Golem both providing the concert’s evocative subject matter.

Early in the evening (6pm, Theatre, £10), R O Blechman’s Emmy Award-winning animated film The Soldier’s Tale will be screened with a live accompaniment of Stravinsky’s famous work of the same name.

The day concludes with Boston Brass, which, together with RNCM students, will perform a wide-ranging programme featuring Bach, Piazzolla and Duke Ellington (7.30pm, Concert Hall, £12).

Abel Selaocoe_Spring 2026_credit Phil Sharp_sq
Until
MusicManchester
Inspirational Artists at RNCM

The RNCM launches its second Inspirational Artists series, spotlighting a huge range of touring musicians and ensembles, each bringing something unique to the stage.

From £12.50

Where to go near RNCM Wind, Brass and Percussion Festival

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: Families

Culture Guides

Music in the North

This week’s picks move from confrontational electronics and experimental pop to opera and Manchester’s grassroots R&B scene.

Textured portrait image of Jarman
Theatre in the North

Theatre across the North West splits between festive escape and sharp, urgent work exploring politics, power and resistance.

Food and Drink in the North

Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.

A doll with makeup peeks out of a hanging wall of butter yellow fabric. Red and black threads descend and cascade around the doll.
Exhibitions in the North

This season, exhibitions across the North West feel attuned to the world beneath the world – the forces and stories shaping how we see, feel and imagine.

A performer in a bright red costume sits on a snowy stage set, holding a large snowball between their legs with a surprised expression. The colourful winter backdrop features snowflakes, hills, a snowman, and a traffic light with glowing lights.
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.