Royal Northern College of Music unveils £1m recording facility

The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester has officially launched its new seven-figure rehearsal and recording facility.

RNCM’s former Studio Theatre was transformed with a £1m asset finance package from the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and finance firm Lombard.

The project, undertaken by sound management company Amadeus Acoustic Solutions, saw space previously used for small-scale productions and concerts converted into a designated student area focusing on popular music.

The facility now houses a 12m x 11m x 4m BOXY pod with a fully-equipped recording studio, enabling RNCM musicians to comfortably create and capture amplified and electronic music.

According to RNCM, the installation is the world’s biggest BOXY modular system.

RNCM principal Prof. Linda Merrick said: ’“The RNCM has an ongoing commitment to enhance the experience of its students, enabling them to work flexibly within and across different musical genres and to create and capture innovative new work that can drive the art form forward.

“We already pride ourselves on offering exceptional performance opportunities to everyone who studies here, and transforming our former Studio Theatre into a high specification performance and recording space is another step to ensure the college remains at the forefront of music education nationally and internationally.”

RBS relationship director Stephen Lee commented: “This is a fantastic project and is great for the RNCM and Manchester in raising the global profile of the College and the city. I have worked with my colleague Andy Bailey in Lombard to tailor a funding solution to support this exciting and unique project and we are delighted to be involved with the official launch.

“Inspiring musicians will benefit hugely from the new state of the art studio and the world’s largest BOXY modular system.”

The launch of the new rehearsal and recording facility follows a £7.1m redevelopment that overhauled the college’s 40-year-old Concert Hall and backstage areas.

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