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

WELCOME TO UPBEAT

AUTUMN 2024 ISSUE

James Williams, RCM Director, introduces the next edition of Upbeat, in which we celebrate composers past and present, from Gustav Holst’s 150th anniversary to alumni at the cutting edge of new music.

Editorial

Meet the RCM’s new Director, James Williams

Find out more about the new Director of the Royal College of Music, James Williams, in our exclusive Q&A.

Feature

Happy Birthday, Holst!

In Holst’s 150th anniversary year, Upbeat discovers the man behind the music, focusing on his time at the Royal College of Music and his friendship with fellow alumnus, Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Feature

Trailblazers: Ten RCM Alumni Composers to Watch

Upbeat introduces ten of the many RCM composition graduates blazing a trail in the UK and around the world.

Feature

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

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

News

Royal College of Music talent shines in BBC Young Musician 2024

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

News

His Majesty The Emperor of Japan visits the Royal College of Music

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

News

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

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

News

‘They’ve been my mentors!’ Ivana Gavrić on the Creative Careers Centre at 25

Upbeat caught up with Ivana Gavrić to hear about life after the RCM and how the Creative Careers Centre helped forge her career.

Feature

Royal College of Music excels in National Student Survey

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

News