From soaring melodies to complex harmonies, pizzicato to vibrato, experience a day brimming with music and the full brilliance of the RCM Strings Faculty!
Explore the rich, expressive sound world of strings at our annual celebration. From resonant bowed strings to the majestic harp and the mellow tones of the guitar, this inspiring event brings together performances ranging from solo recitals, charming chamber groups to string orchestra.
Throughout the day, enjoy a series of talks and concerts featuring internationally renowned artists, including guest stars Kleio Quartet and Sacconi Quartet, as well as Vida Guitar Quartet, Florian Leonhard MBE, and professors, playing side by side with RCM musicians and Junior Department groups. Together they highlight repertoire from beloved classics to the rarely heard and contemporary works.
Hear some of the finest instruments ever made, from Stradivarius to del Gesù, in the RCM’s magnificent performance spaces, which perfectly complement their rich sound. Alongside, pop-up performances in the RCM café, The Carolean, will entertain you over coffee and cake, and don’t forget to visit the RCM Museum, where you can view the world’s oldest known guitar (1581), and a rare viola by Enrico Catenar of Turin (1661).
A perfect day for instrumentalists, string enthusiasts and music lovers of all ages.
2026 Lineup
11am – 1pm
Violas: Come and Play!
Open to young violists Grades 6+
Join RCM professors and current students to explore repertoire, technique, performance and all things viola within a supportive and friendly workshop. Learn more and apply.
11am
String Quartet Platform: Nadeja Quartet
Throughout the year Nadejda Quartet has received intensive training from distinguished chamber musicians and has taken part in a range of performances, culminating in this concert.
12pm
Vida Guitar Quartet: Recital
Hear critically acclaimed Vida Guitar Quartet perform a programme highlighting diverse repertoire from Spanish classics to English music and Bach-inspired works.
12pm
The Violin Detective: Florian Leonhard and the authentication of rare violins
Inspiring the detective in you, world renowned expert and RCM Luthier – the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ of the violin world – Florian Leonhard MBE HonRCM takes you inside the intriguing world of violin authentication.
1pm, 6pm
Café Pop-Ups
Enjoy pop-up performances to entertain you over coffee and cake in the RCM café, The Carolean.
1pm
RCM Guitar Showcase
Hear exceptional RCM guitarists perform works from classical to contemporary.
1.30pm
RCM String Orchestra: Lunchtime Concert
RCM post-graduate conductor Ben Draper leads the RCM String Orchestra in a riveting lunchtime concert.
2.30pm
Kleio Quartet: Masterclass
Ahead of this evening’s performance, go behind the scenes with the Kleio Quartet to learn more about the process behind the performance.
2.30pm
Vida Guitar Quartet: Guitar Coaching with Christopher Stell
Learn more about the guitar in sessions with RCM guitar professor Christopher Stell.
2.45pm
Harp Showcase
On special occasions the RCM brings together a number of harps on one stage to perform repertoire arranged for full ensemble. Featuring the RCM’s newest harp made by renowned manufacturers Lyon and Healy, this shimmering spectacle is a musical and visual delight.
3.30pm
Sacconi Quartet: Side by Side
The Sacconi Quartet is joined on stage by RCM musicians for a rousing programme of music, including Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings.
4pm
The Historical Harp with Oliver Wass
RCM professor Oliver Wass introduces the historical harp in this session, featuring performance excerpts on instruments from the RCM collection, alongside references to the fascinating selection on display in the Museum.
4pm, 5pm, 5.15pm
Chamber Music
Enjoy a series of chamber music performances from RCM musicians, exploring various programmes on a range of stringed instruments.
6.30pm
Kleio Quartet: Recital
Bringing the day to a close, the exceptional Kleio Quartet return for an evening of delightful music.
Image: Kleio Quartet © Agnete Schlichtkrull
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