Royal Northern College of Music Appoints New Head of Strings Chamber Music

Langridge is presently the Principal Cellist of the Northern Orchestra, and from 1993 to 2023, she was the principal cellist of the Psappha Ensemble. She was also a founding member of the Victoria String Quartet, with whom she played until 2024.

Previously, Langridge spent a decade playing in the BBC Philharmonic, and she has also served as a Guest Principal with orchestras such as Opera North, Manchester Camerata, and the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

A graduate of the RNCM, Langridge received the Barbirolli Prize for Cello during her time as a student. Upon graduating, she was appointed as a Junior Fellow of the RNCM as part of the Nossek String Quartet, which continued to perform for the next ten years.

Langridge is an experienced pedagogue and has also taught at Chetham’s School of Music, the Junior RNCM, and the University of Manchester.

"It’s a great honor and a big responsibility to take on this role of Head of Strings Chamber Music at the RNCM," Langridge said. "It is particularly poignant for me as I began my career here in the 1990s with the Nossek String Quartet, under the guidance of Dr Christopher Rowland. There is a long-held legacy at the RNCM of producing extremely fine chamber musicians and I’ll be thrilled to play my part in continuing that tradition."

"Chamber music is the lifeblood of string players; I hope to keep enthusiasm high, fostering the deep joy of making music together."

"I’m delighted that Jen will be taking on the role as Head of Strings Chamber Music," said Manus Carey, Deputy Principal (Performance and Programmes). "Chamber music forms such an integral part of life at the RNCM, and the wealth of knowledge and experience that she will bring, not only as an educator and performer but as an RNCM graduate as well, will only enhance the student experience and opportunities in this area."