Professor Brian Cox has given his scientific seal of approval for a state-of-the-art music venue in Manchester.
The BBC television presenter and physics lecturer at the University of Manchester has pledged his support to the Royal Northern College of Music’s £3million pledge to transform its concert hall.
The plans for a 750-seat venue, starting in January, include a new air-conditioning and heating system, new flooring and seating, advanced technical facilities and lighting, in addition to a balcony and raised floor area.
Professor Cox, who was also in the 1990’s pop band D:REAM, said: ‘I am proud to feel part of Manchester’s rich cultural landscape and I love the RNCM building – it is an inspiration to both visitors and students.
“The transformation planned for the concert hall is very exciting and I am delighted to support the Your RNCM campaign.”
The campaign is part of a major £6million project undertaken by the RNCM and gives people the opportunity to pay money to take a seat in the venue as well as to sponsor a bar of music from the 2014 opening concert.
Famous supporters also include the BBC journalist and Classical FM presenter John Suchet, who was involved in the RNCM’s 40th anniversary Ludwig van festival earlier this year.
He said: “It’s been a joy presenting Beethoven at the RNCM twice in the last year. Students past and present are an inspiration to work with – it’s good to know that the future of classical music is safe in their hands.
“I wish the RNCM the very best of luck with the development of the concert hall, and look forward to talking Beethoven again in the fabulous new hall.”
As well as being the UK’s seventh busiest performance venue the RNCM is one of the world’s leading music colleges, teaching more than 700 students, at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
In September it was awarded £2.8million from the Higher Education Funding Council of England’s Catalyst Fund to help them rebuild and create spaces to accommodate the diverse teaching, study, rehearsal and performance activities.
The college say they hope the new venue will enable them to bring more music to the city and showcase professional artists and students in an intimate space.
Supporters can sponsor a bar of music from the 2014 opening concert for as little as £5 while prices for Take Your Seat range between £300 and £600.
For more information visit http://rncm.ac.uk/
Image courtesy of BBC via YouTube, with thanks
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