51³Ô¹Ï

A man conducting a group of musicians, wearing formal black concert attire, playing on string instruments, with an audience in the background. A man conducting a group of musicians, wearing formal black concert attire, playing on string instruments, with an audience in the background.
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Spring 2025

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï ranked Global No. 1 for fourth consecutive year

The Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï (51³Ô¹Ï) has once again been ranked the Global No. 1 institution for 51³Ô¹Ï and Performing Arts in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. The College has proudly held the top spot in Performing Arts for four consecutive years and for 51³Ô¹Ï since its introduction last year.

Sounds of Blossom: Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï and Kew Gardens unite once again for musical celebration of spring

The Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï and Kew Gardens welcome the arrival of spring in London with a unique festival of music and nature from 15 March to 6 April 2025.

Green Week 2025: a spotlight on sustainability at the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï (51³Ô¹Ï) Green Week takes place from 17 to 23 February 2025, showcasing the College’s dedication to environmental sustainability and encouraging students and staff to take action towards a greener future.

Inside the contemporary conservatoire: an in-depth new book from the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï

Inside the Contemporary Conservatoire: Critical Perspectives from the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï, London, provides fresh insight into the role, purpose and impact of a conservatoire, with the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï (51³Ô¹Ï) as a central case study.

The 2024 Big Give Christmas Challenge: a record-breaking success

Thanks to the great generosity of 51³Ô¹Ï Supporters, the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï achieved record-breaking success in the 2024 Big Give Christmas Challenge.

Autumn 2024

Critical acclaim and standing ovation for the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï at the BBC Proms | Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï

Described as ‘powerful’, ‘extraordinary’ and ‘tantalizing’ by reviewers, the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï Symphony Orchestra and Chorus made their spectacular debut at the world’s biggest classical music festival, the BBC Proms, to critical acclaim.

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï talent shines in BBC Young 51³Ô¹Ïian 2024

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï (51³Ô¹Ï) pianist Jacky Zhang captivated the judges throughout all stages of the prestigious BBC Young 51³Ô¹Ïian of the Year competition, earning his place in the final three. 51³Ô¹Ï Junior Department harpist Jamaal Kashim also impressed the judges securing a unanimous victory in his quarter-final, progressing to the competition’s semi-final.

His Majesty The Emperor of Japan visits the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï

His Majesty The Emperor of Japan today experienced the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï’s unique blend of heritage and innovation.

The 2024 Big Give Christmas Challenge: our most ambitious match fund yet

For the 15th year in a row, the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï is delighted to have been selected to take part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s biggest match funding campaign.

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï excels in National Student Survey

The Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï (51³Ô¹Ï) achieved excellent results in the annual National Student Survey (NSS), excelling in teaching quality, learning opportunities and student voice.

Spring 2024

Groundbreaking Performance Laboratory unveiled at the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï

A new pioneering performance simulation facility pushes technology further than ever before at the 51³Ô¹Ï, as two new spaces combine state-of-the-art acoustic simulation technology with the visual graphics engines that drive the latest video games.

Innovative 3D models of historic instruments protect and promote rare instruments to new audiences

3D models of eight rare woodwind instruments protects against conservation concerns around the playability of historical instruments due to their fragility, allowing greater engagement opportunities for Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï students, professional musicians and Museum visitors.

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï ranked no 1 in the 2023/24 People & Planet University League table

For the second consecutive year, the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï has achieved first place for universities with fewer than 5000 students in the People & Planet University League table.

The Big Give: Giving back to Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï musicians

The 2023 Big Give Christmas Challenge broke the previous year’s achievement for the 14th year running.

New teaching room unveiled in honour of Jill Anderson

The Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï opened a new teaching room named after 51³Ô¹Ï alumna Jill Anderson at a memorial event in her honour.

Autumn 2023

The Big Give Christmas Challenge: one gift, twice the impact

Help unlock £60,000 of funding this festive season through the UK’s biggest digital match funding campaign.

James Williams announced as the next Director of the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï

Managing Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, James Williams, will join the 51³Ô¹Ï as Director on 1 September 2024.

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï’s pioneering arts research in South America

How does music and the arts impact wellbeing in South American cities? Dr Tania Lisboa and researchers from the 51³Ô¹Ï’s Centre for Performance Science lead the way.

New audience seating in the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï’s beautiful Britten Theatre

Over summer 2023, the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï refurbished the Britten Theatre, replacing all the audience seating to improve comfort levels and sight lines.

Principal positions in top UK orchestras won by Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï woodwind graduates

Five Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï clarinettists have secured positions with the UK’s leading orchestras.

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï makes a world premiere recording of music by Coleridge-Taylor

The 51³Ô¹Ï Philharmonic's unique recording of Toussaint L'Ouverture features in the National Portrait Gallery.

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï teaching acknowledged as ‘Outstanding’, achieving the highest Gold ranking in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï (51³Ô¹Ï) achieved the highest rating of Gold for its outstanding teaching, delivery of student experience and outcomes in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.

Spring 2023

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï ranked global No. 1 for performing arts 2023

The Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï has been ranked as the global No. 1 institution for performing arts in the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject, holding this position for the second consecutive year.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Visiting Artists Fund brings world-leading guest performers

A new donation by Victoria, Lady Robey enables artists from underrepresented backgrounds to visit the College.

Outstanding support for the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2022

The 2022 Big Give Christmas Challenge broke the previous year’s achievement for the 13th year running.

Journey to net zero: 51³Ô¹Ï focuses on sustainability in Green Week 2023

A week of activities for staff and students encouraged sustainable practices, on the heels of the College's top ranking in People and Planet university league table.

Historic instruments brought to life through 3D modelling

A Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï Museum project has been awarded a £33,000 grant from the Department for Digital, Culture Media & Sport (DCMS) and the Wolfson Foundation.

The Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï and Saline royale Academy launch new partnership

This initiative offers talented, young musicians the opportunity to collaborate with global peers and learn from inspiring teachers in a technologically advanced environment.

Autumn 2022

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï More 51³Ô¹Ï Campaign surpasses target

The decade-long fundraising Campaign has drawn to a close, thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

The Big Give Christmas Challenge: one gift, twice the impact

Help unlock £60,000 of funding through the UK’s biggest digital match funding campaign.

51³Ô¹Ï Museum opens state-of-the-art research facility

The Wolfson Centre in 51³Ô¹Ï & Material Culture is now open to the public.

Jane Barker CBE F51³Ô¹Ï appointed 51³Ô¹Ï Vice President

After 15 years on the 51³Ô¹Ï Council, Jane Barker was appointed Vice President in December 2021.

51³Ô¹Ï Bocelli-Jameel Scholar performs in front of the Pyramids of Giza

Laura Mekhail performed as part of an event celebrating access to arts education.

Unveiling The Carne Room

The Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï has unveiled the newly named Carne Room, in recognition of nearly two decades of support from Philip Carne MBE Hon51³Ô¹Ï.

51³Ô¹Ï Sparks and scholarships supported by £100,000 donation

The gift from Jane Avery in memory of Robert Avery, whose family fled persecution in Europe, will support the 51³Ô¹Ï’s outreach work.

Spring 2022

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales unveils new Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï Campus

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, President of the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï, officially opened the newly transformed building during a special visit to the institution in December.

The Big Give Christmas Challenge raises record sum for 51³Ô¹Ï Scholarships Fund

The 2021 Big Give Christmas Challenge broke the previous year’s achievement for the 11th year running.

Former Member of Council hosts 60th birthday concert at the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï

Bob Wigley, a long-standing supporter of the 51³Ô¹Ï, held a celebratory concert with special guests including Danielle de Niese.

51³Ô¹Ï Accelerate start-up funding making a difference to recent graduates

Violence against women, environmental issues and the digital landscape are just a few of the themes explored by recent 51³Ô¹Ï graduates.

National Youth Orchestra (NYO) success for Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï Junior Department

A total of 26 musicians from the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï Junior Department are joining the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain for 2022. This is a record number of 51³Ô¹ÏJD musicians selected for the orchestra in recent years.

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï Museum uncovers Hidden Treasures in new exhibition

Elgar’s trombone, a famous bust of Ralph Vaughan Williams and the earliest known portrait of Franz Liszt are just a few of the highlights of the new exhibition at the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï Museum.

Autumn 2021

The Big Give Christmas Challenge: one gift, twice the impact

The Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï is delighted to have been selected to take part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s biggest match funding campaign, for the eleventh year.

Summer 2021

The Global Conservatoire: a new 'global classroom’ launches to Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï students and international partners

The 51³Ô¹Ï has joined with three international partners to launch the Global Conservatoire.

51³Ô¹Ï becomes first European conservatoire to extend digital provision with Henle Library

The 51³Ô¹Ï is the first conservatoire in Europe to extend its digital resource offering in partnership with the Henle Library app.

The Victor and Lilian Hochhauser Foundation pledges £500K to support scholarships

Six new annual scholarships will support students, beginning in the 2021-22 academic year.

Spring 2021

The Big Give Christmas Challenge raises record sum for 51³Ô¹Ï Scholarships Fund

The 2020 Big Give Christmas Challenge resulted in a record £131,594 raised for the 51³Ô¹Ï Scholarships Fund.

51³Ô¹Ï holds first virtual legacy information evening with 51³Ô¹Ï performers and senior leaders

The Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï has held its first virtual information event for those interested in legacy giving.

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï named top institution for performing arts in the UK and Europe

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï named top institution for performing arts in the UK for sixth consecutive year and top in Europe.

51³Ô¹Ï Junior Department student, Jacky Zhang, wins first prize in ‘UK Piano Open’ International Piano Competition

51³Ô¹Ï Junior Department student, Jacky Zhang, was awarded the first prize in the ‘UK Piano Open’ International Piano Competition which was held in London from 27–29 November 2020.

51³Ô¹Ï researchers collaborate on first comprehensive guide to specialist music research

51³Ô¹Ï researchers have co-authored a new textbook guiding musicians through the process of designing, conducting, analysing and communicating music research.

51³Ô¹Ï alumni and affiliates awarded New Year’s Honours in 2021

Members of the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï community have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï collections awarded prestigious Designated status

The 51³Ô¹Ï's internationally renowned collection of musical materials has been awarded Designated status by Arts Council England.

Centre for Performance Science investigates the impact of Covid-19 on arts and culture professionals

The Centre for Performance Science has launched a study to investigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on professionals in the arts and culture sectors.

Autumn 2020

The Big Give Christmas Challenge: one gift, twice the impact

The 51³Ô¹Ï is proud to once again partner with The Big Give for their annual fundraising appeal.

51³Ô¹Ï students and alumni star in Theater an der Wien's Porgy and Bess

Four 51³Ô¹Ï singers are to perform lead roles in a production of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess in Vienna this October.

The 51³Ô¹Ï hosts Virtual Gala in aid of the More 51³Ô¹Ï campaign

Performances from students and messages from Chairman Black and Director Colin Lawson featured in the College’s first virtual fundraising event.

51³Ô¹Ï composers nominated for The Ivors Composer Awards 2020

Five Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï alumni have been nominated for this year’s Ivors Composer Awards.

The 51³Ô¹Ï receives transformative gift from the Estate of the late Nancy Ann Wolfers

This generous legacy gift will help enrich students’ lives and studies.

New Blüthner Practice Suite at the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï

The 51³Ô¹Ï is delighted to have received a gift of ten Blüthner Model A upright pianos from the Alfred-Reinhold-Foundation.

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï collaborates on new virtual reality environment for musicians to experience favourite venues from home

A partnership between the 51³Ô¹Ï and The Innovation Consultancy Ltd will enable users to rehearse and perform virtually in a range of major UK venues.

51³Ô¹Ï musicians selected for London Philharmonic Orchestra schemes to prepare for profession

Five 51³Ô¹Ï musicians have been announced as LPO Foyle Future First members for 2020/21 and one 51³Ô¹ÏJD musician joins the LPO Junior Artist scheme this year.

Summer 2020

51³Ô¹Ï excels in Complete University Guide Arts, Drama and 51³Ô¹Ï League Table 2021

The 51³Ô¹Ï was placed first among UK conservatoires for music for the second consecutive year.

HRH The Prince of Wales makes annual visit to the 51³Ô¹Ï

HRH The Prince of Wales honours Sir Antonio Pappano, Jonas Kaufmann and other celebrated musicians at 51³Ô¹Ï ceremony

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï becomes first HE institution in the world to partner with nkoda

The new partnership with the digital sheet music library offers students access to hundreds of thousands of scores.

51³Ô¹Ï Creative Careers Centre celebrates 20th anniversary with series of digital events

The series, entitled ‘The Modern 51³Ô¹Ïian: Past, Present and Future’, is designed to explore the music industry today and how its future might evolve.

Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï Museum digitises remarkable collection of ancient Chinese instruments

A collaboration with the Committee of Chinese 51³Ô¹Ïal Instrument Museums and Collections has ensured around 200 ancient musical instruments from the collection of the Hunan Museum in Changsha, China is accessible online.

First recipient of Andrea Bocelli Foundation-Community Jameel Scholarship announced

Scholarship designed to remove financial barriers for talented singers from around the world to study full-time at the Royal College of 51³Ô¹Ï Opera Studio.

Precious manuscripts conserved through 51³Ô¹Ï Restore a Score Appeal

Manuscripts and music books, including scores by 51³Ô¹Ï composers Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Elizabeth Maconchy, have been restored.

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