What's On

About

Now in its 32nd year, the RNCM Day of Percussion continues its mission to engage, educate, and entertain all who have an interest in the wonderful world of percussion.  

Led by artistic director Simone Rebello, our internationally renowned artists will present a day filled with exciting and informative sessions to inspire both new and experienced players alike. Learn about playing technique, gain industry insight, and hear some incredible performances from masters of their craft across a broad range of percussion styles.  

In between sessions, visit our expansive trade exhibition throughout the day where you can try out instruments and pick up new accessories.  

We’re excited to celebrate all things percussion and thrilled to host this popular event once again—we can’t wait to see you there! 

Programme

10am / RNCM Concert Hall 

Big Play with Andrea Vogler

RNCM Professor of Percussion Andrea Vogler opens the day by leading all participants in a ‘mega percussion ensemble’ alongside musicians from The Central Band of the RAF. This practical session is suitable for all ages and abilities and is sure to start the day with a bang! 

Open to Young Learners Ticket and Day Ticket holders 

11.10am / RNCM Theatre 

Tom Greenleaves: Timpani Masterclass 

Tom Greenleaves is Principal Timpanist of the famous Gewandhausorchester in Leipzig – the oldest civic symphony orchestra in the world, and guest timpanist of the Berliner Philharmoniker, Staatskapelle Berlin, Staatskapelle Dresden, the Bavarian State Opera, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, Budapest Festival Orchestra, and many others. 

His masterclass will help players gain a deeper insight into some of the most iconic timpani parts in Germanic repertoire. 

Open to Day Ticket and Single Session Ticket holders 

12.30pm / RNCM Concert Hall  

Marta Klimasara: Marimba Recital and Q&A 

Awarding-winning percussionist Marta Klimasara has been commended by the European Cultural Foundation for her outstanding musical and artistic personality. She has worked with orchestras across the globe including RSO Stuttgart, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, National Philharmony Warsaw, National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the RSO Saarbrücken.

In this session, she offers an intimate Marimba recital followed by a Q&A. 

Open to Day Ticket and Single Session Ticket holders 

2.10pm / RNCM Theatre 

Mick Doran: Secrets from the Back of the Band! 

Principal Percussionist at ENO and longstanding Professor of Percussion at Trinity Laban, Mick Doran delivers a unique, light- hearted, whistle-stop guide on how to succeed as a professional percussionist, accompanied by the Central Band of the RAF.

Open to Day Ticket and Single Session Ticket holders 

3.30pm / RNCM Concert Hall 

Joby Burgess: A Percussionist’s Songbook 

Joby Burgess presents works from his new album, A Percussionist’s Songbook. Scored for an arsenal of pitched percussion and electronics, the songbook is a collection of specially commissioned ‘songs without words’ from John Metcalfe, Tunde Jegede, Dario Marianelli, Yazz Ahmed, Graham Fitkin, Dobrinka Tabakova, and Gabriel Prokofiev.

Open to Day Ticket and Single Session Ticket holders 

4.40pm / RNCM Theatre 

Gabor Dornyei: Percussive Drumming and Independence  

In this session, award-winning solo artist and drum clinician Gabor Dornyei will demonstrate the importance of advanced limb co-ordination and independence in contemporary drum set playing.

Open to Day Ticket and Single Session Ticket holders 

6pm / RNCM Concert Hall

The Central Band of the Royal Air Force: Rhythm and Dance

The Central Band of the Royal Air Force, founded in 1920 and based at RAF Northolt, was the first ensemble outside the United States to receive the prestigious John Philip Sousa Citation for Musical Excellence, highlighting its reputation for the highest standards of performance. Notable artists, such as Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones from the pop-rock band McFly, have collaborated and performed with the Central Band, which recently premièred a new commission, Lights Out in Space by Andrew Pearce, and recorded soundtracks for the 2022 film Lancaster.

Admission with Day Ticket. Other ticket holders will need to book separately.

Tickets: 

Full Day Ticket (access to all events, apart from 11.20am Young Percussionists session)
Full Price £24
Under 18 £13

Promoted by RNCM.