*
banner

RNCM Founding Principal to be honoured with sculpture

The contribution of Sir John Manduell CBE in helping to create the Royal Northern College of Music is to be marked with the unveiling of a new sculpture at the conservatoire.

John Maundell
  Sir John was the founder principal at the RNCM 1973 to 1996

Sir John Manduell CBE, the Founding Principal who brought together two Manchester music schools to establish the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), will be honoured this summer with a new bust by renowned sculptor Hazel Reeves.

Ceremony unveiling

The bronze head and shoulders will celebrate Sir John's 25 years as head of the conservatoire (from 1971), will be revealed at a ceremony on Friday 21st June ahead of a concert featuring the RNCM Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Choir, directed by David Hill MBE.

The commission has been made possible by the generous support of the Ida Carroll Trust and was initiated by two members of Sir John's original team, Bryan Fox and Richard Griffiths. It will include the creation of a unique plinth designed and made by RNCM alumnus Jonathan Stockton — now an internationally collected furniture designer and maker. It will be installed in the main reception area of the College.

Respected

Following the merger of the Royal Manchester College of Music with the Northern School of Music, Sir John brought the newly created Northern College of Music to its purpose-built premises on Oxford Road in 1973. It was granted the Royal Charter in July of that year.

Sir John enjoyed a successful broadcasting career with the BBC, and later became Programme Director of the Cheltenham Music Festival and founding Chair of the European Opera Centre.

He was a respected and commissioned composer. He received a CBE in 1982, was knighted in 1989, and was awarded the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres in 1990 — one of the highest honours the French Government can bestow. He died in 2017.

To see what the RNCM has grown into, it was like a blood infusion — seeing all these young people, all that talent, and the conservatoire itself made Sir John more tangible. It really helped me to understand him and his impactHazel Reeves

Thrilled

Speaking about the forthcoming unveiling, Sir John's widow, Lady Renna Manduell, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that John's unique contribution has been recognised and I am most grateful to all those who have had the thought and clear-sighted vision to create this tribute to his many years of extraordinary energy and steadfastness."

Sculptor Hazel Reeves said visiting the RNCM had allowed her to fully appreciate Sir John's significant legacy.

"To see what the RNCM has grown into, it was like a blood infusion — seeing all these young people, all that talent, and the conservatoire itself made Sir John more tangible. It really helped me to understand him and his impact."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Bandsafe

BBE BOPA renewed by Department of Education

July 5 • New safeguarding measures have come into place with BBE's BOPA renewed to give bands essential help.


Hands

Blissful appointment at Carlton Brass

July 5 • Matt Ludford-King has been appointed as the new MD at Carlton Brass as they look towards their Cheltenham National Finals appearance.


Smith and Grezzy

Smith & Grezzy: Big Chat podcast

July 5 • The latest episode is entitled 'Entertainment Post Bag and Talking with Dinosaurs'...


roal

Royal seal of approval for Scottish banding

July 5 • Scottish banding has been playing its part in welcoming the royals on their latest visit to the nation.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd