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RCM Festival of Percussion

Experience a spectacular celebration of percussion at the Royal College of Music's annual Festival of Percussion! From marimbas to xylophones, timpani to tambourines, our festival features something for all to enjoy on Sunday 11 May 2025.

Download the timetable.
View the programme on Issuu.

RCM Festival of Percussion 2025

Join us on 11 May and experience a spectacular celebration of percussion at the Royal College of Music's annual Festival of Percussion!

Daytime

This year we welcome festival headliner Gregory Hutchinson, one of the most highly-regarded musicians of his generation, hailed for his experience and virtuosity in jazz, hip-hop, funk, R&B, and Neo-soul.

Special guests from the percussion world include Owen Gunnell, Jas Kayser, Jonny Mansfield, Calum Huggan, Will Fry and many more, including members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

This action-packed day includes a family concert; talks and lessons; performances by experienced professionals, talented RCM musicians and Junior Ensembles; and all-day trade fair. And don’t miss the chance to try out the RCM’s state-of-the-art Performance Simulator!

Evening

Join us for the grand finale of the festival, in a vibrant evening concert with the RCM Jazz Orchestra and exceptionally talented special guest Gregory Hutchinson.

RCM Sparks

For an exciting selection of family friendly activities including taster workshops, an interactive concert and a chance to explore the Gamelan, choose our RCM Sparks ticket.

We would like to thank Victoria, Lady Robey, CBE HonRCM for her generous support of this event through the Robey Visiting Artist Fund.

 

The Percussion Faculty at the RCM is a thriving, vibrant community. Percussion students enjoy the benefits of a purpose-built percussion suite, with state-of-the-art technology and practice facilities for teaching world percussion alongside the orchestral repertoire. Many former students are now in the UK’s leading orchestras, with training enabling them to enter the profession equipped with the musical tools of the trade.

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Gallery

Not been to a Festival of Percussion at the RCM before? Have a look at what our previous festivals have included in our gallery.

Children playing taiko drums in the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall

Children in a taiko drumming session as part of RCM Sparks activities for families and children.

Neal Wilkinson playing percussion, looking towards an audience

Session drummer Neal Wilkinson leads a masterclass on the music of James Morrison.

RCM jazz musicians performing on stage in a band with Tommy Igoe

RCM jazz musicians perform in an evening concert accompanied by 2019 headliner Tommy Igoe.

A child hitting a bell with percussionist Owen Gunnell, in the RCM's Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall

A child hitting a bell with percussionist Owen Gunnell.

Mallets lined up, with a session in progress in the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall

A selection of mallets on display in a session in the RCM's Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall.

People's hands playing the marimbas with beaters

Playing the marimbas.

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