Royal College of Music Appoint New Faculty Members

Among the new string faculty include Jennifer Pike, Peter Manning, and Richard Harwood

London’s Royal College of Music (RCM) has appointed Jennifer Pike and Peter Manning as new violin professors, in addition to violinists Mathilde Milwidsky and Alexander Gilman. 

Richard Harwood, previously principal cellist of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will also join the school as a cello professor. Harwood has served as the principal of the John Wilson Orchestra and guest principal of the London Symphony and RTÉ Concert Orchestras. 

Alongside regular performances with world-leading orchestras, Jennifer Pike has curated concert series for BBC Radio 3 and Wigmore Hall and holds an extensive discography with Chandos Records. She became the youngest winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year award in 2002 and was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honors list in 2020, recognizing her contributions to classical music.

Peter Manning formerly led the Royal Opera House Orchestra for 19 years, as well as the London Philharmonic, plus founded the Britten String Quartet.

Milwidsky has collaborated closely with composers including Brett Dean and Mark Simpson. Among her accolades include first prize in the Royal Overseas League Music Competition Strings Section. 

Gilman has been a Visiting Professor of Violin at the RCM since 2019, and will now join the faculty as a full-time violin professor. He is also the Artistic Director of the acclaimed LGT Young Soloists ensemble. 

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome these eminent musicians to join the RCM's community of string professors, offering our students exceptional learning opportunities through their teaching and performance,” said RCM’s Director, James Williams in the press release.

“I’m delighted to welcome a wonderful new cohort of string professors to the RCM String Faculty,” added Gary Ryan, RCM’s Head of Strings. “Together they bring a wealth of international experience as soloists, orchestral players and teachers. All of them are passionate about working with our young musicians and I’m delighted that the students will have the opportunity to benefit from their expertise.”