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 12 May 2024.
Daytime
We welcome internationally renowned Australian drummer, composer and producer Virgil Donati to the stage, as well as a number of performers including duo NanaFormosa, quartet The Engine and ensemble Let Drum Beat. We’ll also be joined by a variety of special guests including Mike Dolbear, Adam Betts, Adrian Bending, Matt French, Kizzy Brooks, Calum Huggan, and percussionists from the BBC Symphony Orchestra including RCM Head of Percussion David Hockings.
With a family concert; talks and lessons; performances by experienced professionals, talented RCM musicians and Junior Ensembles; and all-day trade fair – you won’t want to miss this action-packed day!
Evening
For the grand finale, hear exciting contemporary groove-based music by American composer and arranger Tim Davies and special guest Virgil Donati in an uplifting concert with the RCM Jazz Orchestra.
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.
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.
