Featuring jaw-dropping orchestral innovation, majestic seasonal operatic works, family-friendly activities and even a live accompaniment to a screening of Shaun the Sheep, the RNCM hosts a wondrously diverse Christmas programme guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages and musical tastes.

RNCM ArkEnsemble | Fri 1 Dec | 6pm | £5-£9

Commencing their festive programme, the RNCM’s pioneering ArkEnsemble returns on Fri 1 Dec with another groundbreaking programme of sonic innocation which promises to ‘push the boundaries of what you thought was possible in a concert hall’, led by the RNCM Head of Saxophone Rob Buckland.

Conceived with the objective of transcending orchestral convention, the experimental group of wind and brass players immerses audiences in a captivating maelstrom of sound, set against a breathtaking stage backdrop.

The Snow Maiden: Rimsky-Korsakov | Sun 10, Tue 12, Wed 13 & Sat 16 Dec | 3pm, 7pm | From £15

Brought to life for the very first time at the RNCM, Rimsky-Korsakov’s enchanting and enigmatic opera follows the mythical Snow Maiden who, in her desire for emancipation from her parents Father Frost and Mother Spring, embarks on a transformative odyssey to a remote village where she plans to live among mortals.

the rncm's magical christmas programme

Featuring gentle moments of intimacy, heady romantic melodies and rousing, triumphant choruses, the RNCM students’ performance masterfully captures Rimsky-Korsakov’s peerless ability to render the full scope of human emotion, from euphoria to anguish, through a beautifully composed festive operatic work.

RNCM Big Band with Dennis Rollins (Trombone) | Fri 15 Dec | 7.30pm | £8.50-£16

Promising a night of soulful, irresistibly catchy tunes, kinetic rhythms and and ingenious improvisations, world-renowned trombonist Dennis Rollins performs with the RNCM Big Band on Fri 15 Dec.

big band dennis rollins

RNCM Christmas Family Day: Shaun the Sheep | Sun 17 Dec | 10am, 2.15pm | £13

With two fun-filled sessions taking place on Sun 17 Dec, the immensely popular Christmas Family Day returns with a festive programme of creative activities, interactive workshops and musical treats, before the RNCM join forces with WFEL Fairey Band and Aardman to host a screening of Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas with a live score for brass band.

shaun the sheep family day at rncm

A Manchester Wire Partnership post
RNCM,
124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD
, Tel: 0161 907 5200
rncm.ac.uk
Words:
Wolf McFarlane
Published on:
Fri 10 Nov 2023