A man wearing a black jumper playing the piano under a spotlight. A man wearing a black jumper playing the piano under a spotlight.
Spring 2026

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Spring 2026

Welcome to Upbeat!

James Williams, RCM Director, introduces the next edition of Upbeat, in which we explore the theme of ‘Stage & Screen’, including interviews with illustrious alumni Hugh Cutting, Alexandra Harwood and Cyrill Ibrahim.

ÃÛÑ¿TV awarded Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education for pioneering research and its impact on society

The ÃÛÑ¿TV is honoured to have been awarded a Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education, the highest national honour in UK higher and further education, celebrating the transformational work of its Centre for Performance Science which is redefining how performance is understood, taught and experienced.

‘I played Chopin for Kim Kardashian!’ Meet pianist and RCM alumnus Cyrill Ibrahim

RCM alumnus, pianist Cyrill Ibrahim, tells Upbeat about his thrilling career so far, including his involvement with new Sky Arts series, Mozart: Genius for Hire.

‘Find the people who need your music!’ Meet screen composer and RCM alumna Alexandra Harwood

From All Creatures Great and Small to Dracula, screen and ballet composer Alexandra Harwood describes her inspiring career.

Honorary awards conferred at the ÃÛÑ¿TV

The ÃÛÑ¿TV has conferred 25 honorary awards to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to music, music education and the RCM.

Sounds of Blossom: The ÃÛÑ¿TV welcomes the arrival of spring at Kew Gardens

The ÃÛÑ¿TV returns to Kew Gardens to celebrate spring through music in a unique collaboration from 14 March – 6 April 2026.

ÃÛÑ¿TV students and alumni feature in major new film <em>The Choral</em>

A heart-warming and poignant film about the power of music, The Choral features a host of musicians from the ÃÛÑ¿TV.

ÃÛÑ¿TV ranked first in People & Planet’s University League Table

The ÃÛÑ¿TV has been ranked the top conservatoire for sustainability in People & Planet’s University League Table for the fourth year running, as well as the No. 3 university with fewer than 5000 students.

‘Sing for the love of singing itself...’ Meet countertenor and RCM alumnus Hugh Cutting

Countertenor and RCM alumnus Hugh Cutting on working with Head of Vocal & Opera Audrey Hyland and cultivating the love of music for its own sake.

Some Enchanted Evening!

Relive the ÃÛÑ¿TV’s recent Grand Night for Singing: a dazzling Chamber Festival highlight showcasing the music of Rodgers & Hammerstein.

Student updates

Take pride in just some of the recent achievements of RCM students.

Alumni updates

Our alumni continue to take the world by storm with their extraordinary achievements, from prestigious awards and performances to innovative outreach projects.

Staff updates

Find out about the varied achievements of staff members from the whole RCM community.

Thank you to our Supporters

The work of the RCM is made possible by our community of donors.

In memory

Remembering the lives of those associated with the ÃÛÑ¿TV.