The Royal Northern College of Music has appointed professor Linda Merrick as its new principal from January 2013. Merrick joined the RNCM in 2001 as director of performance studies and senior tutor in clarinet, before becoming vice principal in 2006. Since July 2012 she has been acting principal of the College.

‘I have always regarded the Royal Northern College of Music as a very special place,' said Merrick. ‘Recognised as one of the world's leading conservatoires, and one of the busiest and most forward-looking public arts venues in the UK, it holds a unique position in the cultural life of the City of Manchester and the wider North West region. I am delighted to be taking on the role of principal as the College celebrates its 40th anniversary, and look forward to leading the institution into the next phase of its development.’

Specialising in contemporary repertoire, Merrick’s catalogue of over 20 solo CD recordings includes new concertos by Gary Carpenter, Nigel Clarke, Martin Ellerby, Kit Turnbull and Guy Woolfenden (Polyphonic), Philip Sparke (Anglo Records), Stephen McNeff (Campion), John McLeod (Chandos), Edwin Roxburgh (NMC), and Philip Spratley (Toccata). Her chamber music output includes premiere recordings of four new clarinet quintets with the Navarra Quartet (Naxos), a new clarinet quintet by John McCabe with the Kreutzer Quartet (Guild) and Clarinet Quintets by Wilfred Joseph and Robert Crawford (Metier).