Biography —

Artistic Directors: Simon Cox & Matthew Knight

Septura brings together London’s leading players to redefine brass chamber music through the uniquely expressive sound of the brass septet.

By creating a canon of transcriptions, arrangements and new commissions for this brand new classical configuration, Septura aims to re-cast the brass ensemble as a serious artistic medium.

Currently Ensemble in Residence at the Royal Academy of Music, London, the group is recording a series of 10 discs for Naxos Records, each focused on a particular period, genre and set of composers, creating a ‘counter-factual history’ of brass chamber music.

The first five discs have received critical acclaim, described variously as “brilliantly done” (Fiona Maddocks, The Observer), “dazzlingly polished” (Anna Picard, BBC Music Magazine) and “brass playing at its most exalted” (Robert Markow, Fanfare). The sixth disc was recorded in 2017 for release in late 2018. In addition, Christmas with Septura was released in November 2016.

Weaving this ever-increasing repertoire into captivating live events, Septura is gaining a reputation for engaging audiences with innovative and imaginative programming. Following a successful 17-18 season – featuring the group’s debut concert series, Kleptomania at St John’s Smith Square London, and tours to Switzerland, Germany and the USA – in 18/19  Septura will perform brand new programmes across the UK, and as far away as New Zealand and Japan.

Septura’s members are the leading players of the new generation of British brass musicians, holding principal positions in the London Symphony, Philharmonia, Royal Philharmonic, BBC Symphony, Basel Symphony and Aurora orchestras.