Dr Anna Wright explores the musicians and influential figures who helped turn an ambitious idea into a lasting Manchester institution.

The Royal Manchester College of Music is closely associated with the name of Charles Hallé, but was its foundation really the achievement of one man? Dr Anna Wright explores the network of musicians, supporters and influential figures who helped turn an ambitious idea into a lasting Manchester institution.

Manchester had long been a city of music, but establishing a college where musicians could be trained required more than the vision of one celebrated conductor. Behind Charles Hallé stood a network of supporters and benefactors, drawn from the city's business, cultural and philanthropic communities, whose contribution has often been overshadowed by his famous name.

Drawing on her research into the foundation of the Royal Manchester College of Music, Dr Anna Wright takes us into those networks and the society in which they operated. Who gave their time, influence and financial support to the new College? What brought them together, and how important were they to its success? This talk reveals a much richer story of collaboration behind an institution that became an enduring part of Manchester's musical life.

Date: 7 October 2026

Day: Wednesday, 10.30am

Venue: Manchester Central Library

Speaker: Dr Anna Wright

Cost: members - free of charge

Cost: non-members - £5

Description supplied by the event organiser.