Matthew Knight

Artistic Director, Trombone

Matthew Knight is Co-Principal Trombone of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, where he also serves as Vice-Chairman. He has performed with almost all of the UK orchestras, and frequently appears as a guest principal with orchestras including the London PhilharmonicLondon Symphony and Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Previously a member of the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, he studied at the Royal Academy of Music, London, having graduated with a starred first in Music from Cambridge University. He teaches at the Royal College of Music.

As well as arranging for Septura, Matthew writes the group’s concert programme notes, and the sleeve notes for the Naxos recordings.

Matthew Knight plays S.E. Shires trombones.

What is your favourite Septura piece to play?

It has to be our version of Shostakovich’s 8th quartet. It’s such a powerful piece anyway, but the brass septet gives it a very special emotional charge. It really draws the audience in – they’re often moved to tears – and so the performances always feel like unique events.

What would you do if you weren’t a trombonist?

Probably join the dark side and try to become a conductor. But basically anything other than doing a “proper” job!

Your favourite Septura moment?
Our very first concert, at the Royal Academy of Music. We performed the overture from Rameau’s opera Dardanus. The trumpet parts are very virtuosic, and the piece hurtles towards a pretty spectacular finish, after which there was an audible gasp of surprise from the audience. If we don’t elicit a similar response now, we consider the performance a failure!

Featured video

Featured recordings

573719 Septura XmasDDNew 6-page template ASeptura3_cover2nd disc front1st disc front