Three cutting-edge musical performances to catch at RNCM

Stemming from groundbreaking research into the role that certain music can play for those living with Parkinson’s, RNCM presents a playlist dedicated to these pieces. 

A stunning recital that combines music with therapy, this casual concert features fascinating commentary from research participants, along with live performances by RNCM students spanning tracks from George Ezra and The Beatles, right through to Barber’s Adagio for Strings.

Dawn Rose, one of the lead researchers on the project, explained how music can have a positive impact on those living with Parkinson’s: “Firstly, music with a strong beat can help cue movements. Finding a song with a good beat at the right tempo can help by matching their steps to the beat.

“Secondly, music can help improve mood for people with Parkinson’s in several ways; helping with motivation to get moving, connecting with others, and as part of our identities—an aspect of self that is often shaken by diagnosis. Music helps access positive memories and provides an autobiographical template (i.e., the soundtrack of our lives) that may help prevent social and personalised stigma associated with the condition.”

Playlist for Parkinson’s is presented by the RNCM in collaboration with Hochschule Lucerne—Musik, Switzerland and partially funded by the Arnold Bentley Award (SEMPRE).

Admission is free and the evening kicks off with a 5.30pm pre-concert talk, followed by the 6.30pm music event.

A vivid exploration into traditional and classical folk music, this Spotlight edition dives into the crossovers between the two forms.

A series which sees students create, prepare and perform innovative programmes together, the evening will draw upon the performers’ collective interests and experiences within both genres.

Admission is free and no ticket is required. Spotlight starts at 6.00pm and will end at approximately 6.30pm.

RNCM exists to educate and train musicians to the highest level in an environment that is creatively stimulating and rich in opportunity. Nowhere else is this more evident than in its Composer’s Concert, which takes place at the end of June.

With a focus on nurturing and developing students’ capacity to innovate and inspire as leaders of the future, the RNCM Composer’s Concert invites you to dip your toe into the future of music, as chamber musicians perform new and creative works developed by student composers.

This event is free to attend, and will take place at 7.30pm-9.30pm.