About us

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 six discs have received critical acclaim, described variously as “irresistible” (Fiona Maddocks, The Observer), “dazzlingly polished” (Anna Picard, BBC Music Magazine) and “brass playing at its most exalted” (Robert Markow, Fanfare). In addition, Christmas with Septura was released in November 2016, and Septura’s unique version of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker will be released in late 2019.

Weaving this ever-increasing repertoire into captivating live events, Septura is gaining a reputation for engaging audiences with innovative and imaginative programming. In the 2017-18 season Septura launched their debut concert series, Kleptomania, at St John’s Smith Square, London and toured to Switzerland, Germany and the USA. In 2018-19 the group will perform at festivals and venues around the UK and Europe, as well as touring to 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, City of Birmingham Symphony, Basel Symphony and Aurora orchestras.

Performances of remarkable richness, expressive intensity and almost nonchalant virtuosity. British brass playing is the envy of the world, and when you hear Septura you can hear exactly why.

Jonathan Freeman-AttwoodPrincipal, Royal Academy of Music, London

A dazzling exploration of the instruments’ capabilities in range, colour and dynamics…an innovative and highly engaging listening experience.

Klaus HeymannFounder, Naxos Records

The sound of Septura is exceptionally beautiful – warm and rounded but with dazzling brilliance too when required…the perfection of ensemble, balance and intonation is striking.

Nick BarnardMusicweb International

This is virtuoso playing: glossy, brilliantly articulated, audaciously coloured, technically flawless.

Anna PicardBBC Music Magazine

This is brass playing at its most exalted.

Robert MarkowFanfare

Septura Limited

Registered in England & Wales
Charity No. 1158408, Company No. 08833453

Artistic Directors

Simon Cox
Matthew Knight

Trustees

George Duncan-Jones
Jessica Jennings
Christian Stobbs

Advisory Patrons

Jonathan Freeman-Attwood
Håkan Hardenberger
Martin Knight
Ed Smith

Management

Septura is represented by: