Royal Academy of Music

Royal Academy of Music. College of mus. in London instituted in Tenterden Street, 1822; Royal charter 1830. Lodging and boarding of students discontinued after 1853, when first board of professors was appointed. Moved to Marylebone Road 1912. Wide range of activities: premises incl. concert-hall (Duke's Hall), lecture hall, opera th. (opened 1977), and library. About 700 students, with teaching staff of 150. Prins.: William Crotch 1822–32, Cipriani Potter 1832–59, Charles Lucas 1859–66, W. Sterndale Bennett 1866–75, G. A. Macfarren 1876–87, A. C. Mackenzie 1888–1924, J. B. McEwen 1924–36, S. Marchant 1936–49, R. S. Thatcher 1949–55, Thomas Armstrong 1955–68, Anthony Lewis 1968–82, David Lumsden 1982–93, Lynn Harrell 1993–4, Curtis Price from 1995. RAM is supported by Govt. grant, subscriptions, donations, and fees. F. Brit. p. of Verdi's Giovanna d'Arco was given at RAM 1966, f. London stage p. of L'incoronazione di Poppea in 1969. (The name Royal Acad. of Mus. was also given to an operatic venture supported by aristocracy, founded successfully in London 1718–19 under directorship of Handel, Bononcini, and Ariosti but which collapsed in 1728.) See also Royal College of Music.