Septura is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2015 by seven brass players who shared a passion for chamber music and a desire to explore the rich repertoire of music written for brass instruments. The ensemble is based in London, England, and consists of Simon Cox and Huw Morgan on trumpet, Matthew Gee and Matthew Knight on trombone, Peter Smith and Matthew Knight on bass trombone, and Dan West on tuba. The founding members of Septura all had extensive experience as soloists, orchestral musicians, and chamber musicians, and they came together with the goal of creating a new kind of brass ensemble that would combine the virtuosity and power of brass instruments with the intimacy and flexibility of chamber music. They chose the name Septura to reflect the fact that they were a seven-piece ensemble, and also to evoke the idea of a golden age of brass music, when composers such as Gabrieli, Monteverdi, and Bach wrote music specifically for brass instruments. Since its founding, Septura has become one of the most acclaimed and innovative brass ensembles in the world, known for its virtuosic performances, imaginative programming, and groundbreaking arrangements of classical music. The ensemble has performed at major concert halls and festivals throughout Europe, Asia, and North America, and has collaborated with some of the world's leading musicians and ensembles. One of the highlights of Septura's career was its debut album, "Music for Brass Septet," which was released in 2016 on the Naxos label. The album featured arrangements of music by composers such as Bach, Handel, and Purcell, as well as original works by contemporary composers such as James MacMillan and John McCabe. The album received widespread critical acclaim, with The Guardian calling it "a triumph of musicianship and imagination." Septura's second album, "Vol. 2," was released in 2017 and featured arrangements of music by composers such as Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Shostakovich. The album was also well-received by critics, with Gramophone magazine praising the ensemble's "impeccable blend, intonation, and phrasing." In addition to its recordings, Septura has also gained a reputation for its live performances, which are known for their energy, precision, and musicality. The ensemble has performed at major festivals such as the BBC Proms, the Cheltenham Music Festival, and the Edinburgh International Festival, and has also given concerts at prestigious venues such as the Wigmore Hall, the Royal Festival Hall, and the Berlin Philharmonie. One of the most memorable performances in Septura's career was its collaboration with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, one of the world's leading chamber orchestras. The two ensembles joined forces in 2018 to perform a program of music by Bach, Handel, and Purcell, arranged for brass septet and string orchestra. The concert was a huge success, with The Times calling it "a thrilling and revelatory performance." Septura has also been recognized for its innovative approach to music-making, and has received several awards and honors for its work. In 2016, the ensemble was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Henderson Chamber Ensemble Award, which recognizes outstanding chamber ensembles in the UK. The following year, Septura was named Ensemble in Residence at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where the members of the ensemble teach and mentor young brass players.

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