RNCM strikes major partnerships to power next generation of Manchester musicians

The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) has announced three landmark creative partnerships with English National Opera (ENO), BBC Radio 3, and Manchester Collective.

The new initiatives will launch in Spring 2025 as part of RNCM Innovate – the College’s ambitious plan to equip young artists for modern, sustainable careers in music.

From opera and contemporary performance to radio and broadcast, the schemes are designed to prepare students and graduates with real-world skills, industry access, and invaluable mentorship.

At a time when careers in the arts can feel increasingly precarious, these partnerships mark a significant investment in the city’s cultural talent – and the future of music both locally and nationally.

RNCM collaborates with English National Opera, Radio 3 and the Manchester Collective

A highlight is the ENO Creative Incubator Scheme, which will open in 2026 to recent RNCM graduates based in Greater Manchester. Designed to amplify fresh voices in opera, the year-long scheme includes mentoring, financial support, and creative space to write and stage new work.

Annilese Miskimmon, Artistic Director of ENO, said: “ENO is delighted to be partnering with RNCM to support new artists in the opera industry. By co-creating this scheme, we hope to amplify the voices in the city-region and create new work that speaks to the diverse experiences of the creators and audiences in Greater Manchester.”

Also launching is the RNCM Manchester Collective Studio, a one-year pathway for postgraduate string players that builds on the ensemble’s recent residency at the College. It will immerse students in the creative process of contemporary performance, including composing new work, and ends with a public-facing project alongside Manchester Collective.

English National Opera arrives in Manchester

Linda Begbie, Chief Executive of Manchester Collective, explained: “We’ll be looking for emerging artists who are brave and ready to push their own boundaries – thinkers and explorers, as well as fine instrumentalists. There’s something distinctly northern – Mancunian even – about this approach, and so it makes perfect sense for us to build something special with RNCM and its students.”

Meanwhile, a new collaboration with BBC Radio 3 at Audio North in Salford will offer undergraduates unique studio experiences in presenting and production – a valuable window into creative careers beyond the concert stage.

The partnership follows RNCM’s earlier announcement of the BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist Fellow scheme, and reflects the College’s growing relationship with the broadcaster. RNCM alumni including Tom McKinney and Linton Stephens now present on Radio 3, while BBC 6 Music’s Stuart Maconie is an Honorary Member of the College.

Gill Farrington, Head of BBC Audio North, said: “Radio 3 is thrilled to be partnering with the Royal Northern College of Music as we strengthen our roots in Salford, working with students and graduates taking their first steps in the creative industries.”

A world-class conservatoire with a Manchester spirit

Ranked fifth globally for music in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and 2025, the RNCM has long been at the forefront of professional training in the arts. Its deep ties with local institutions – from the Hallé and BBC Philharmonic to Opera North and Manchester Camerata – already place it among the most connected conservatoires in the world.

These new projects aim to future-proof that reputation while making space for innovation and experimentation. Deputy Principal (Performance and Programmes), Manus Carey, said: “We want our students to not just become fantastic, rounded, contemporary musicians, but to have great ideas about the future of the music world. We’re creating a culture where innovation can happen: where students are supported to experiment and think creatively about how they want to engage with their music. In that atmosphere, anything can happen.”

For a city known for its musical legacy, these partnerships signal exciting times ahead: not just for the RNCM, but for Manchester’s evolving role as a hub for cultural innovation.

What’s on at RNCM?

You can find out more about what’s happening at RNCM by clicking here