More Music: Make an Entrance Appeal

Monday 8 July 2019

The Royal College of Music has today launched the Make an Entrance Appeal to support the transformation of the Blomfield Building’s iconic entrance throughout summer 2019. Part of the More Music: Reimagining the Royal College of Music Campaign, the Appeal aims to raise the funds needed to preserve the entrance’s rich heritage whilst improving access for all.

Over the last two centuries, generations of world-famous musicians have crossed the RCM threshold, entering a place where musical excellence is nurtured to the highest level. From household names such as Holst, Britten and Coleridge-Taylor to more recent graduates including Alfie Boe, Amy Dickson and Kate Simko, the past 125 years have seen many of the world’s most talented musicians enter the College and begin their journey towards international success.

Now, significant improvements will make the RCM Entrance Hall and Foyer Hall more open, welcoming and accessible to all. The transformation will include new handrails, improved flow through the spaces and a new Reception and Box Office. The beautiful mosaic floor in the Entrance Hall, emblazoned with the initials of Samson Fox, the RCM’s original benefactor, will be preserved. It was Samson Fox’s generous donation to the College that allowed the now Grade II listed Blomfield Building to be constructed in 1894.

The Make an Entrance Appeal is part of the More Music: Reimagining the Royal College of Music Campaign, which represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the RCM’s facilities for the future. The new building will enable the RCM to welcome more visitors than ever before, whilst expansion of the scholarship programme, research and digital capabilities will enhance the RCM experience for all.

Thanks to the generosity of many supporters, the RCM has raised just over 88% of its £40 million philanthropic target for the More Music Campaign. There is £4.5 million left to raise in order to fund new transformational public areas and performance spaces.

RCM Director, Professor Colin Lawson comments: ‘In order to offer world-class music education to the most talented, the Royal College of Music has always relied on generous philanthropic support. We have a proud history of training students who have gone on to launch successful global careers in many corners of the music industry and through the More Music: Make an Entrance Appeal we will welcome more students and audiences through our doors than ever before.’    

The RCM is inviting anyone interested in supporting the future of music to make a gift towards the Make an Entrance Appeal. Donations of all sizes are welcomed. Regular gifts are particularly valuable as they will help reimagine the RCM entrance and support areas of greatest need in the future.

If you would like to make a donation, please visit the Make an Entrance Appeal webpage.

To find out more about the More Music: Reimagining the Royal College of Music Campaign, please visit www.rcm.ac.uk/moremusic.