The 12 ensemble has rapidly developed a reputation as one of the UK's leading string orchestras. A modern, versatile and virtuosic ensemble, the group is built around a core of twelve of London’s finest and most exhilarating chamber musicians. Always playing without a conductor, the ensemble’s performances combine the energy, excitement and creativity of a string quartet with the breathtaking sound afforded by twelve brilliant string players.
 
Founded in 2012 by Artistic Directors Eloisa-Fleur Thom (Principal Violin) and Max Ruisi (Principal Cello), the group’s youthful energy and passion for chamber music is at the heart of their music-making. Fearlessly programming bold new works and making new arrangements alongside the greats of the string orchestral repertoire, the ensemble strives to bring exceptional music to as diverse an audience as possible. Performing a wide range of music, the group often expands and contracts in size, ranging from duos to 23 strings and beyond. 
 
The 12 ensemble regularly appear at leading venues throughout the UK and beyond, with recent performances at the Barbican, LSO St Luke’s, Berlin Philharmonie and Hamburg Elbphilharmonie plus tours to South Korea, Iceland, France and Italy. 2019 will see them make their debut at the Royal Albert Hall in the BBC Proms' Prom 36: Late-Night Mixtape. For two years running, the ensemble have held weekend residencies at the Barbican for the Sound Unbound festival. They have also been the recipients of a PRS 'Resonate' Award for their acclaimed UK tour ‘Reborn’.
 
The 12 ensemble’s debut album ‘Resurrection’ was released to widespread critical acclaim in September 2018. Their second album, ‘Death and The Maiden’, will be released in January 2020 and features the ensemble’s own arrangement of Schubert’s D minor string quartet alongside a new commission from British composer Oliver Leith, ‘The Lamb’ by John Tavener (released as a single this August) and an arrangement of a song by Icelandic band Sigur Ròs.

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